PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU (DEFENCE WING)
GOVERNMENT OF INDA
IAF CHEETAL SETS WORLD RECORD
New Delhi: 02 November 2004
An IAF Cheetal Helicopter set a new world record at 0845 hrs today on 02 Nov 04 by landing at a Density Altitude of 25,150 ft at Saserkangri near Leh.
Earlier, a Bell 407 helicopter held the world record in landing at the highest altitude, 22, 180 ft, Pressure Altitude (24,971 ft Density Altitude) achieved on Jul 28, 2004. This morning at 0845 hrs, a Cheetal helicopter, bettered this record in style. Flown by Gp Capt AS Butola and Sqn Ldr S Sharma, the helicopter landed at Saserkangri at an altitude of 23,220 ft (7070 mts) Pressure Altitude (25,150 ft / 7670 mts Density Altitude). The feat was witnessed and validated by Wg Cdr Upadhayay (Retd), Chief Test Pilot, Rotary Wing, HAL and Wg Cdr Uni Pillay (Retd), flying in an IAF Dhruv helicopter.
The motivation behind this attempt was the fact that a Cheetah helicopter of the IAF had landed at a record density altitude of 23, 240 ft just a few months ago – not in the quest of a record, but to rescue causalities from a mountaineering expedition, in extremely challenging conditions. This rescue was accomplished in a Cheetah helicopter powered by the old Artouste-3C, of 847 Horse power. The Cheetal features a Cheetah airframe and the more powerful TM-333-2B2, 1000 Hp Engine, which is fitted on the Advanced Light Helicopter. The combination of a light airframe and a more powerful engine has resulted in a leaner and more capable machine, permitting a higher payload – a critical requirement when operating at the extreme altitudes of the glacier where every gram matters matter. The IAF has been associated in putting this machine through its trials and is all set to procure them for operational service in the IAF. The synergy between the IAF and the Indian Aviation Industry has churned out this winner.
Sign In
