Boeing has completed delivery of all new AH-64E Apache and CH-47F(I) Chinook military helicopters to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The last five of the 22 Apache attack helicopters were delivered to the IAF at Hindan Air Force Station. In early March, Boeing delivered the last five of the 15 CH-47F(I) Chinook helicopters to the IAF.
"Customer focus, commitment to modernization and India's defense mission readiness are core values to our partnership with India," said Surendra Ahuja, managing director of Boeing Defense India. "With this delivery of military helicopters, we continue to nurture that partnership and are fully committed to working closely with India's defense forces to provide the right value and capabilities to meet their operational needs," added Ahuja.
India is one of 17 nations to select the Apache and has the most advanced variant, the AH-64E Apache, which is also flown by the US and many other countries. The AH-64E Apache is designed and equipped with an open systems architecture, including the latest communications, navigation, sensors and weapons systems. It features an improved modernized target acquisition designation system that provides day, night and all-weather target information, as well as night vision navigation capability. In addition to classifying air and ground targets, the Fire Control Radar has been updated to operate in the marine environment. It is uniquely suited to meet a commander's needs, including reconnaissance, security, peacekeeping operations and lethal strike, in a multitude of environments – without reconfiguration.
Twenty defense forces around the world have Chinooks in service or are contracted to receive them. The iconic tandem rotor helicopter has been the world's most reliable and efficient heavy lift helicopter for over 50 years, allowing customers to operate in weather (hot), altitude (high) and crosswind conditions that normally prevent other helicopters fly. The CH-47F(I) Chinook contains a modern machined airframe, a Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) cockpit and a Digital Automatic Flight Control System (DAFCS). These innovations and technologies will help the Indian Air Force meet growing mission demands, maximize interoperability and reduce lifecycle costs.
The Indian Ministry of Defense finalized its order with Boeing for the production, training and of 22 AH-64E Apache and 15 CH-47F(I) Chinook helicopters in September 2015. Earlier this year, India and the US signed a contract for the procurement of six Apaches for the Indian Army during the visit of US President Donald Trump to New Delhi.
Boeing's Hyderabad t venture, Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL) produces airframes for the AH-64 Apache helicopter for US Army and international customers. TBAL marks an important step in the t development of aerospace and defense systems in India. Boeing suppliers in India are manufacturing critical systems and components for the Chinooks, including the crown and cone assembly from Tata Advanced Systems and the ramp and aft pylon from Dynamatic Technologies. Today, Boeing works with more than 200 suppliers and partners in the country, ing “Make in India” and “Skill India”.
Boeing Defense India provides holistic lifecycle solutions to government and defense customers in the country. Boeing provides services that ensure high platform availability and mission readiness for its defense customers at competitive costs through its investments in service infrastructure and in the development of local capabilities and partnerships. With the introduction of the Apaches and Chinooks, Boeing anticipates additional opportunities in rotary aircraft training and maintenance.
Source: Boeing Defense
