• The Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted the first batch of four Chinook CH-47F(I) heavy-lift helicopters, which will significantly improve airlift to high-altitude areas.

CH-47 Chinook

• The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is an American twin-engined, tandem rotor, heavy-lift helicopter.
• It is among the heaviest lifting Western helicopters.
• Its name, Chinook, is from the Native American Chinook people of modern-day Washington state.

Salient features of the Chinook

• A multi-mission heavy-left transport helicopter, Chinook will be used to move troops, artillery, ammunition, barrier materials, supplies and equipment on the battlefield.
• It is highly maneuverable, which makes it suitable for operating in tough, dense terrain.
• Its 24X7, all-weather operational capabilities are crucial for India Air Force, which operates in some of the most hostile terrains in the world.

• Apart from military operations, they can also be used for medical evacuation, disaster relief, search and recovery, fire-fighting and civil development.
• It is capable of transporting fully-equipped infantry soldiers for specialised operations. It has fully integrated digital cockpit management system.
• The Chinook has the capacity to carry a maximum payload capacity of 11 tonnes and 45 troops.