IAF gets closer to flying the Apache and Chinook helicopters: Here's what they are capable of

Indian Air Force is inching closer to its dream of flying Apache state-of--art attack and Chiok heavy-lift helicopters, a feature that it was missing drastically. 

IAF aircrew has started training in US on Apache AH-64 E and Chiok CH 47F (I)  helicopters, which are set for delivery in March and July onwards respectively.

Way back in September 2015, India signed a nearly USD 3 billion deal for purchase of 22 Apache and 15 Chiok choppers with American aviation giant Boeing and US government.

contract has a clause to place follow-on orders for 11 more Apaches and seven extra Chioks. Interestingly, Army is t taking on follow-on order.

defence ministry h last year approved procurement of six Apache along with weapons systems from Boeing at a cost of Rs 4,168 crore for Army. This will be its first fleet of attack choppers of force and followed a brief fight with IAF.

IAF was of opinion that it should control attack helicopters but Army was amant to have its own.  helicopter deal was t an easy one. It has survived over 10 price validity extensions from American side and it was a push by n Defence Minister Mahar Parrikar that finally set ball rolling.

While Chiok helicopter deal is a direct one with US firm, one for Apache is a hybrid. A part of Apache deal was signed with Boeing for helicopter and or with US government, under foreign military sales route, for its weapons, rars and electronic warfare suites.

Sources said that first Chiok helicopter will be delivered to India in March 2019 and first Apache will be delivered in July. 

Boeing has said that Indian industry partners such as Dynamatics are building large sections of Chiok, and Tata Boeing joint venture in Hyderab is building complete fusel of Apache.

Apache would be based at Pathankot and Jorhat.

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Apache

Considered to be one of most dely attack helicopters in world, Boeing has sold over 2,200 machines since 1984. Indian Apache are latest version of attack helicopters that have seen action in Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan. 

Apache comes with 30mm cann under se which can fire 1200 rounds in less than two minutes.

Also equipped are 70 mm rockets which can be guided or unguided. Apache can carry 80 of m in one go besides Hellfire missiles. 

Toger with avionics onboard, se missiles can identify, track, and hunt targets in de of night.

What Apaches mean for India?

Apache will be first pure attack helicopter in India’s possession. While India has been operating Russian Mi 35, on verge of retirement, it was an assault chopper.

It was designed to carry troops into heavily defended territories whereas Apache is an out and out attack helicopter. IAF sources said that Apache will be a game changer.

Chiok

acquisition of Chiok is yet ar shot in arm for IAF. It is a multi-role, vertical-lift platform, which is used for transport of troops, artillery, equipment and fuel. It is also used for humanitarian and disaster-relief operations, in missions such as transportation of relief supplies and mass evacuation of refugees.

What it means for India?

• Chioks will have capability to airlift M777 lightweight howitzers that Indian Army is buying.
• This means that se artillery guns can be taken from one position to ar using helicopter, even if it is inhospitable terrain.
• While original Chiok first flew in 1962, it has undergone several upgres. 

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