The Chetak helicopter made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited under the licence agreement has complete its 60 years in India. The helicopter is the oldest operational flying machine with the Indian Air Force.
The IAF will organize a conclave and the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be the Chief Guest on the occasion.
The conclave is schedule at the National Industrial Security Academy Convention Centre, Secunderabad.
Air Commodore Manish Sabharwal, VSM, Air officer commanding, Hakimpet, Said :
“It will be an honour to host our Raksha Mantri. This conclave marks the 60th year of induction of Chetak Helicopter into the Air force. Chetak Helicopter was inducted into the Air force in 1962. Today, it completes 60 years of operations not only in the Air force, but also in all three services. It operates in all terrains be it Siachen glaciers or desserts or seas,”
History
The Helicopter Division of HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) starts manufacturing the Chetak helicopters in 1962, by entering an agreement with M/s SUD-AVIATION (Presently M/s AIRBUS (Former EUROCOPTER), France).
Chetak helicopter was originally call as Aloutte III and was rename to Chetak for the Indian Armed Forces.
The first Chetak (Aloutte III) in ‘Fly Away’ condition was delivered in 1965.
Usages
Chetak helicopter is versatile, multi role, multi purpose, and spacious chopper suitable for commuting, cargo/ material transport, casualty evacuation, Search & Rescue (SAR), Aerial Survey & Patrolling, Emergency Medical Services, Off-shore operations and Under slung operations.
Specifications
The Chetak Helicopter is a two ton class helicopter and gets a 7 seater cabin power by Artouste – III B turbo shaft engine.
| Length | 12.84 m |
| Width | 2.59 m |
| Height | 2.97 m |
| Max Take off weight | 2200 kg |
| Cruise Speed | 185 Km/h |
| Range | 500 km |
| Endurance | 3.00 hr |
| No. of Passengers | 5 + 2 |
HAL has produce and sold more than 350 of these Helicopters which are in service both in India and abroad.
HAL has receive orders for Chetak helicopters from MOD Namibia & MoD Suriname.
