The Indian Air Force's CH-47F (I) Chinook helicopter has set a new record.
Achievement
The Indian Air Force's CH-47F (I) Chinook helicopter set a record for the longest non-stop flight in India on Monday. It flew non-stop from Chandigarh to Jorhat (1910 km) for 7.30 hours non-stop. This is a feat that no other helicopter in India has ever achieved.
A spokesman for the Indian Defense Ministry said the achievement was due to the incredible capability of the Chinook helicopter and the precise planning and execution of the Indian Army.
Largest asset
"An @IAF_MCC Chinook undertook the longest non-stop helicopter sortie in India, flying from Chandigarh to Jorhat (Assam). The 1910 kms route was completed in 7 hrs 30 min and made possible by the capabilities of Chinook along with operational planning and execution by @IAF_MCC," a defence spokesperson tweeted.
Extra tanks
This Chinook type helicopter uses more than one fuel tank. These extra tanks are used because they do not have the technology to refuel in the middle. The helicopter is currently engaged in transporting Indian Armed Forces personnel and transporting military equipment.
In December 2015, the Indian Government purchased 15 Chinook and 22 Apache attack helicopters for US $ 3.1 billion to augment its military capabilities.