Watch: Boeing's Chinook heavy-lift chopper in action

NEW DELHI: With the signing of the deal to buy 15 Chinook heavy-lift choppers, India's defence preparedness has got a big boost. The Chinook is a multi-mission aircraft in use by US Army, US Army Reserve, National Guard and more than 19 countries, including Canada, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Japan, Italy.

The iconic twin rotor chopper is a battle proven machine that has flown countless missions into warzones from Vietnam to Afghanistan and Iraq. While the original Chinook first flew in 1962, it has undergone several upgrades and is now one of the most modern heavy lift choppers in the world.

Follow @ETDefence Twitter handle for comprehensive coverage on other buzzing Defence stories

In this video released by Boeing, we take a look at the Chinook in action:






The massive helicopter can carry 9.6 tons of cargo, including heavy machinery, artillery guns and even light armoured vehicles to high altitude. Suited for mountain operations, the Chinook is highly maneuverable and can get in and out of tight valleys. Its missions range from ferrying troops to disaster relief operations.





According to Boeing, "The Chinook contains a fully integrated, digital cockpit management system, Common Aviation Architecture Cockpit and advanced cargo-handling capabilities."




The long pending acquisition will not only augment air force's heavy lift capability for military tasks but is a vital addition for the construction of strategic roads and infrastructure projects on the border.





The Border Roads Organisation has been waiting in particular for the Chinook to complete road building projects in the North East that have been stuck for years for want of a heavy lift chopper that can carry material and equipment through narrow valleys.

(With inputs from ET Bureau)