Boeing’s Apache and Chinook to enhance IAF’s attack and heavy lift capabilities
In September 2015, India finalised an order with Boeing for 22 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and 15 CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters for the Indian Air Force. In the days leading up to Defexpo 2016, Bradley Rounding of the Vertical Lift Global Sales & Marketing team at Boeing Defence, Space & Security revealed details about Boeing’s vertical lift business and how the Apache and Chinook would be best suited for the Indian Air Force’s requirements.
“With the selection of the AH- 64E, the dominant force projection capabilities of the Indian Air Force will be enhanced considerably,” Rounding said. “The Chinook has unsurpassed ability to deliver heavy payloads to high altitudes, and is eminently suitable for operations in the high Himalayas. The aircraft has been battle-tested in diverse extreme conditions throughout the world, and has proven capability to operate in the wide range of conditions that typify the Indian subcontinent.”
The Apache is the world’s leading multi-role attack helicopter; the AH-64E Apache, the most modern variant also flown by the US Army, features enhanced performance, joint digital operability, improved survivability and cognitive decision aiding. The CH-47F Chinook is an advanced multi-mission helicopter operated by the US Army and 18 other defence forces. The Chinook has proven its ability to operate in the range of conditions that typify the Indian subcontinent, including delivering heavy payloads to high altitudes.
Dennis Swanson, Vice President, Defence, Space & Security in India, explained that the Apache and Chinook represent the best of high-performing technologies that will modernise India’s defence capabilities, “We look forward to delivering the newest Apache and Chinook to our customers and remain focused on delivering on its commitments to the Indian Air Force and India’s Ministry of Defence,” Swanson said.
India is the 14th nation to select the Apache and the 19th nation to select the Chinook. Both the Apache and Chinook will strengthen the country’s homeland defence significantly and deter regional threats.
The Chinook’s ramp and pylon is made in India by Dynamatic Technologies while Apache fuselages will soon be produced in India as part of a joint venture that Boeing signed with Tata Advanced Systems recently. Soon after PM Modi announced the launch of ‘Make in India’ in September 2014, Boeing introduced a new manufacturing line at Dynamatic Technologies (DTL) in Bangalore. DTL has been working on the P-8I since 2010 and has since expanded to include the manufacture of critical ramp and pylon parts for the CH-47 Chinook since 2013.
In November 2015, Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) signed an agreement to establish joint venture (JV) that will manufacture aerostructures for aircraft and collaborate on integrated systems development opportunities in India. The JV will create a manufacturing centre of excellence to produce fuselages for the AH-64 Apache helicopter and to compete for additional manufacturing work packages across Boeing platforms. Boeing and TASL intend to grow the JV partnership in the future with a focus on opportunities to collaborate on
“Over the last 12 months, we have doubled our sourcing from India and are committed to continue that journey,” said Pratyush Kumar, President, Boeing India. “Our commitment was demonstrated by Boeing Chairman Jim McNerney’s presence at the recently concluded aerospace Innovation Summit in New Delhi and this JV is a clear example of Boeing’s long-term commitment to ‘Make in India’.