Cheetah Helicopter Crashes During Mission In Ladakh, All Three Occupants Safe
A Cheetah light helicopter of the Indian Army crashed in the Ladakh sector. Three army soldiers have been injured in this accident, including Division Commander Major General Sachin Mehta.
New Delhi: Army's Cheetah helicopter suddenly crashed in Tangtse area of eastern Ladakh. It was fortunate that all three officers aboard survived. GOC Saheb of Trishul Division i.e. 3rd Division himself was sitting in the helicopter. Together, a lieutenant colonel and a Major were flying the helicopter. All three suffered minor injuries, but a major accident was averted. The Army has immediately set up a court of inquiry to find out what went wrong.
Are Cheetah helicopters a threat now?
This accident again brought out the same old pain. Cheetah and Chetak helicopters are now old. These are several decades old. In mountains like Ladakh-Siachen, one has to rely on these for flying every day. The army itself believes that now the time has come to retire them. In their place, HAL's new LUH (Light Utility Helicopter) is being introduced. But until they come completely, there is still a risk.
Why do only cheetahs fly in the mountains?
Since 1971, Cheetah has been the mountain hero of the army. Where vehicles cannot go, he delivers ration and transports soldiers. Look at the post of Siachen, this is the lifeline for the soldiers sitting at 20 thousand feet. Be it medical evacuation or reconnaissance mission, everything is done through this. But the problem is that the technology is now 50 years old.
Why is flying at 18 thousand feet so difficult?
Experts say that the air becomes thinner at altitude. The engine has to throttle, the rotor cannot provide proper lift. Many times, 2-3 trips have to be made to deliver 10 kg goods. Many posts of Ladakh are around 20 thousand feet. Every flight there is at stake. If there is a small technical fault or bad weather, then an accident is certain.
Will LUH change the situation?
HAL's new LUH is specially made for the mountains. It can fly above 21 thousand feet. It has digital cockpit, night vision, the engine is also new. Meaning flying even at night, better control even in bad weather. The Army plans to replace the Cheetah-Chetak with the entire fleet in the next few years.
At present, the army people are making do with this jugaad. It is a big thing that GOC Sahib survived, but the question remains the same: For how long will we continue to risk the lives of soldiers relying on old helicopters?
