IAF's Chinook Helicopter Makes Safe Landing In Punjab's Sangrur After Experiencing 'Technical Snag'

The IAF informed that the helicopter conducted a routine flying mission but after experiencing a "technical snag" it made a safe landing in an open field.

The Indian Air Force (IAF)'s Chinook helicopter made a safe landing after experiencing a "technical snag" in Punjab's Sangrur district on Sunday. Around 1:00 pm, the crew members and the helicopter made a safe landing in an open area in the Dhadrian town of Longowal near Sangrur, according to the police, as reported by PTI.

Air Force officials reported that the helicopter, conducting a routine flying mission, made a safe landing in an open field. Both the crew and the aircraft are unharmed, and a recovery team has been dispatched to the location. The cause of the "technical issue" remains unclear and will be investigated by the Indian Air Force.

In 2022, the US Army halted operations of its Chinook fleet due to engine fires. Salil Hupte, Boeing's India head, reassured that the Chinooks utilised by the Indian Air Force are unaffected, stating "There is no impact on the helicopter operated by the Indian forces."

The Indian Air Force had requested information from Boeing, the Chinook manufacturer, regarding the reasons behind the US Army's decision to ground its entire Chinook helicopter fleet.

The US Army has used Chinooks during its operations in the Middle East, Vietnam, and the First and Second Gulf Wars, as per NDTV's report.

Operational Capacity Of Chinook Helicopters

The Indian Air Force's fleet of Chinook helicopters is stationed at Chandigarh for operations in the northern regions, while another unit is situated in Assam to cater to the northeastern areas, the report stated. The CH-47 Chinook helicopters serve as heavy-lift helicopters for strategic airlift and humanitarian missions within the Indian Air Force. These helicopters were officially inducted into the force back in 2019 at the Indian Air Force station in Chandigarh, with the remaining 11 units delivered the following year.

The unique tandem-rotor configuration of the Chinook renders it an ideal choice for transporting troops and heavy loads at high altitudes. Capable of carrying tanks, relief supplies, and even artillery through underslung operations, the Chinook stands as a versatile asset in various operational scenarios.

The tandem rotor setup of the Chinook offers enhanced stability, control, agility, and facilitates ease of loading and unloading. This design feature also ensures superior performance in windy conditions. Unlike single-rotor helicopters, the Chinook's tandem rotors rotate in opposite directions, effectively neutralising the torque generated by each rotor and eliminating the need for a tail rotor to counter yawing motions.