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New Delhi- The US Army has banned the flight of Chinook helicopters. According to the information, this decision has been taken after the engine of CH-47 Chinook helicopters was found to be prone to fire. This move of America has given a big blow to India. In fact, the Indian Air Force (IAF) also operates a fleet of Chinook helicopters. The risk of fire in helicopters is a matter of concern for the IAF. India has sought a response from the US in the matter.
The US military operates approximately 400 Chinook helicopters. These helicopters perform a variety of tasks for the military. According to The Wall Street Journal, the Chinook fleet has been stopped by the US military because it suspects that some engines of the helicopters caught fire. The same report said that although there were no casualties due to these fires, it has been decided not to land the helicopters as a precaution.
However, helicopter manufacturer Boeing has not yet commented on the matter. The Wall Street Journal says the issue has occurred with an engine manufactured by Honeywell International Inc. A company spokesperson said the engine parts, called O-rings, were not made according to their design instructions.
What will India do now?
The IAF operates a fleet of 15 Chinook helicopters. The Air Force has not landed these helicopters yet as the Army has sought a response from the US in the matter, which is awaited. The Indian Air Force has sought more details on the grounding of helicopters carried out by the US Army.
Significantly, Chinook was inducted into the IAF in 2019 at a ceremony in Chandigarh. One helicopter unit of Chinook is based in Chandigarh while the other is at Mohanbari airbase in Assam.
