Why in news
The IAF’s Chinook and MI17 helicopters joined the rescue operations in Uttarakhand to evacuate stranded pilgrims on the rain-ravaged trek route to Kedarnath.
The route to Kedarnath had suffered extensive damage as a result of a cloudburst in Jungle Chatti near Lincholi on Wednesday night
Chinook
CH-47 F(I) Chinook is an advanced multi-mission tandem rotor helicopter
It is the U.S. Army’s primary heavy troop and supply transport aircraft.
It is manufactured by the American aerospace and defence firm Boeing for the US Army and international defence forces
The Indian Air Force (IAF) acquired the CH-47F (I) Chinook helicopters as part of a strategic modernization effort to enhance its heavy-lift capabilities.
IAF had signed a contract with M/s Boeing Ltd in September 2015 for 15 Chinook helicopters
Features:
It is a twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter.
It contains a fully integrated digital cockpit management system.
It has advanced cargo-handling capabilities that complement the aircraft's mission performance and handling characteristics.
It has a monolithic airframe with vibration reduction.
Maximum Speed: 160 knots (296 kmph).
It has a triple hook system, which provides stability for large external loads or the capacity for multiple external loads.
It can carry up to 55 troops or approximately 10 tonnes of mixed cargo.
MI 17
MI 17 helicopters (also known as MI8), a family of medium twin-turbine transport helicopters.
Designed and manufactured by the Russian company Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant.
Used for various roles including troop transport, cargo lifting, medical evacuation, and reconnaissance
Can carry up to 24 troops or up to 4,000 kg of cargo.
Widely used by military and paramilitary forces around the world; also used in civilian roles in some countries.
Includes different versions (MI 17 v5, MI 14 etc.) for transport, search and rescue, and medical evacuation.
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