Chinook is a one-of-a-kind Boeing helicopter that may be employed for a variety of tasks. In 2015, India ordered 15 helicopters, and in 2019, the IAF received the first four of Chinook helicopters, which are currently operating in diverse roles.

However, according to recent reports, the Indian Air Force has decided to cancel plans to purchase 48 additional Mi-17 V5 helicopters from Russia. Making the case for the Make in India programme. India continues to seek new big cargo helicopters. There is no apparent reason for the cancellation of the Mi 17 helicopter. It is possible that other nations boycott its trade, but the issue remains unclear.

India is also planning to develop its own multi-mission helicopter, which might take several years and cost a lot of money. Now, India may place a new order for the Chinook helicopter because it has proven its worth in the Indian Air Force. The Chinook helicopter recently carried cargo across the longest and nonstop route, demonstrating its worthiness for a variety of reasons.

On the other hand, most of the parts for the Boeing Chinook are designed and manufactured in India, and Boeing has improved its supply chain with over 160 partners in India, as well as a joint venture to produce fuselages for Apache helicopters. India accounts for $1 billion in annual sourcing. Boeing now employs 2,200 individuals in India, and its supply chain partners employ over 7,000 people.

The Chinook has unrivalled capability for transporting huge payloads to high altitudes, making it ideal for operations in the Himaalayas. The aircraft has been battle-tested in a variety of severe environments around the world, demonstrating its ability to operate in the various conditions that characterise the Indian subcontinent.

Let’s talk about the specifications.
The Boeing Chinook has a rotor diameter of 18.29 metres, a fuselage length of 15.49 metres, and a height of 5.68 metres. It has the capacity to transport up to 55 troops or around 10 tonnes of mixed cargo.

The Chinook’s Lycoming T55-GA-714A turbo shaft engines produce 3,529 kW of power. It has a 370-kilometer mission radius, a 2,254-kilometer range, and a maximum gross weight of 22,680 kilogrammes. It has a top speed of 302 kilometres per hour and a fuel capacity of 3,914 litters.

Take a look at the MI17 helicopter, which was developed in Russia on the other hand. It can transport 24 troops or four tonnes of cargo and has three crews: two pilots and one engineer. With a maximum take weight of 13,000 kg, It is powered by two Klimov VK-2500PS-03 turboshaft engines with a combined output of 1,800 kW. It has a top speed of 280 km/h, a range of up to 800 kilometres, and a service ceiling of 20,000 feet.

Considering both specs, the chinook has the advantage in terms of carrying passengers and cargo.

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Let’s have a look at the prices of both helicopters.

In comparison to the Chinook helicopter, the MI 17 helicopter has three times the payload. The Mi-17V5 helicopter is priced between US$ 16.4 and US$ 18.4 million. The chinook might cost up to $60 million dollars in the United States.

India has not made any final judgments regarding its new cargo helicopters. Let us know what you think about both helicopters in the comments section.

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