Capable of transporting howitzers, Indian Air Force inducts Chinooks in 126 Helicopter flight squadron at Chandigarh airfield

The Indian Air Force today inducted the first four heavy-lift Chinook helicopters capable of transporting howitzers and troops to forward and high-altitude areas across the country at Chandigarh airfield on Monday. Indian firm Dynamatic Technologies manufactures critical components for H-47 Chinook, one of the world's most advanced multi-mission, heavy-lift transport helicopters. India is procuring 15 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters from Boeing. The 126 Helicopter Flight unit at present operates the last of Mi-26 choppers.

Induction of Chinook will be a game changer the way Rafale is going to be in the fighter fleet, BS Dhanoa said.

It contains a fully integrated, digital cockpit management system, Common Aviation Architecture Cockpit and advanced cargo-handling capabilities.

Dynamatic Technologies had delivered the first set of aft pylon and cargo ramp assemblies for the Chinook in February 2015.

Since its introduction in the 1960s, 1,179 Chinooks have been built, Boeing India said.