The first flight of Apache and Chinook helicopters destined to be delivered for the Indian Air Force, took place successfully in the United States and the delivery will commence next year.
“First flight of India’s Apache and Chinook helicopters are important milestones towards strengthening Indian armed forces' capabilities,” said Pratyush Kumar, president, Boeing India.
“India will receive the most advanced versions of both the AH-64E Apache and the CH-47F Chinook. Indian industry partners such as Dynamatics is building large sections of Chinook, and the Tata Boeing joint venture in Hyderabad is building the complete fuselage of the Apache,” Kumar added.
IAF's CH-47 Chinook helicopter during its inaugural flight | via Boeing India Twitter
Boeing India maintained that the contract for the Indian Air Force’s 22 Apaches and 15 Chinooks was finalised in September 2015. Additionally, six Apaches were cleared for purchase for the Indian Army in 2017. Fuselages for this Army order will be produced by Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited, the joint venture between Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems in Hyderabad.
Called as 'flying tanks', Apache attack helicopters will a major role in Indian Army's tank battles, especially on the western front with Pakistan. Fitted with air-to-air missiles, Apache helicopters are capable of detecting 256 moving targets and engaging them. Apache, a twin-engine helicopter is operated by two pilots. With its array of modern electronics, Apache is considered to be one of the most advanced combat helicopters. Apache helicopters were involved in missions during the 1991 Gulf War between the US and Iraq and then in Afghanistan. India will be the 14th country to operate these attack helicopters, which are expected to be delivered in 2019.
According to Boeing India, AH-64E Apache is the world’s leading multi-role attack helicopter and is flown by the US Army. The helicopter features enhanced performance, joint digital operability, improved survivability and cognitive decision aiding.
Chinook is a multi-role, vertical-lift platform, emphasising heavy-lift transport of troops, artillery, equipment, and fuel. It is the helicopter of choice for humanitarian disaster-relief operations, in missions such as transportation of relief supplies and mass evacuation of refugees.