Chinook Helicopters

In News

• Recently, Boeing-made Chinook helicopters have come under scanner over issues of engine fires. 

About Boeing CH-47 Chinook

• A twin-engined, tandem rotor, heavy-lift helicopter.
• Developed by American rotorcraft company Vertol and manufactured by Boeing Vertol (later known as Boeing Rotorcraft Systems).
• Advantages of Chinook:
  • High Capacity: The Chinooks can carry goods and cargo of up to 9.6 tonnes each.
  • Disaster Management: The helicopter can also offer support during disaster relief, medical evacuation, search and rescue missions, aircraft recovery and parachute drops.
• Current Issue:

• The Chinook fleet has been grounded by the US Army as it is suspected that some engine fires broke out on an unspecified number of helicopters. 
• While there have been no casualties because of these fires, yet a decision was taken to ground the helicopters as a precautionary measure.

Application by Indian Air Force (IAF)

• The Chinooks were inducted into the IAF in 2019 in a ceremony at Chandigarh. 
• One Helicopter Unit of Chinooks is based in Chandigarh while the other is based at Mohanbari air base in Assam.
• The IAF operates a fleet of 15 Chinook helicopters and it has not grounded them as it awaits more word on the US development.

Source: TH