Panagarh: Six facts about IAF's latest hub for C-130J Super Hercules planes

NEW DELHI: West Bengal's Panagarh is set to the Indian Air Force's (IAF) second hub for the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. It is designated as the second hub for the next batch of six C-130J aircraft after induction.

The World War II era airbase has a refurbished runway, which will be capable of operating all aircraft in the inventory of IAF. We take a look at some interesting facts about the new airbase:

1) From the new runway, IAF will start operating the Super Hercules aircraft beginning May next year and from March 2017 a permanent unit will start.



(Source: IAF)


2) After making the newly resurfaced air force station of Panagarh as the second hub for C-130J, the air force will base refueller planes and may have fighter aircraft there.



(Source: IAF)


3) According to Air Marshal S B Deo, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Air Command, once the acquisition process is complete, IAF will have larger aircraft -- refueller ones -- based at Panagarh in Burdwan district of West Bengal. The eastern air force commander said it can also be used for fighter planes later on.


(Source: IAF)


4) "Availability of Panagarh airfield will definitely enhance strategic capability of IAF in the Eastern Area of Responsibility (AOR) and will also augment mobility of Mountain Strike Corps which will be stationed at Panagarh in near future," Air Marshal Deo said.

Availability of this airfield will also enhance the mobility of Indian Army's Mountain Strike Corps, which will also be stationed at Panagarh in the near future.



(Source: IAF)


5) Deo said this base can become a center not only for operational reasons but also during disaster, rescue and relief missions.

"This is one base which is not too close to the border nor too far away. It is an ideal base and then air strip is available which is a major contributing factor for selecting Panagarh. An army base is also coming up here so it is the best choice," he said.



(Source: IAF)


6) The aircraft operating surface at Panagarh was constructed from 1942-44 during the Second World War by the US Allied forces as part of CBI (China-Burma-India) Campaign.

During 1971 war the airbase was activated and two Fighter Squadrons (Sukhoi-7 & MiG-21) were deployed here for operations.