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Defence & Security
Mahesh

23/10/23 10:27 AM IST

Army to start phasing out Cheetah, Chetak helicopters from 2027

In News
  • The Army will start phasing out the first lot of the vintage Cheetah and Chetak helicopters from 2027.
  • The Army currently has 190 Cheetah, Chetak and Cheetal helicopters of the original 246.
About Cheetah
  • The HAL Cheetah is a licence-built version of the French Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama.
  • While it is known for its capability to operate in hot tropical weather as well as high altitude conditions, it is an ageing aircraft – the SA315B Lama was first flown in 1969, over 50 years ago.
  • Over the years, along with HAL Chetak, the Cheetah has developed a reputation of being unsafe, with the armed forces attempting to find upgrades for these rotorcraft.
  • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited signed a licence agreement for the Lama with Aérospatiale in 1970 and christened the India made aircraft “Cheetah”.
  • The first Cheetah manufactured from raw materials was delivered in 1976-77.
  • Operated by both the Indian Air Force and the Army Aviation Corps, it has been used for transporting men and material, search and rescue, and reconnaissance.
About Chetak
  • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Helicopter Division started manufacturing helicopters in 1962, by entering an agreement with France for production of Aloutte III helicopters (Chetak).
  • The first Chetak in ‘Fly Away’ condition was delivered in 1965.
  • The Chetak Helicopter is a two ton class helicopter.
  • The seven seater Chetak helicopter is versatile, multi role, multipurpose, and spacious.
  • The helicopter is suitable for commuting, cargo / material transport, casualty evacuation, Search & Rescue (SAR), Aerial Survey & Patrolling, Emergency Medical Services, Off-shore operations and Under slung operations.
Source- The Hindu

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