Chetak Helicopters

Chetak Helicopters

Part of: Prelims 

Context: Diamond Jubilee of Chetak helicopter was recently celebrated by Indian Air Force.

About the helicopter

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Helicopter Division started manufacturing helicopters in 1962, by entering an agreement with France for production of Aloutte III helicopters (Chetak). 
• The first Chetak in ‘Fly Away’ condition was delivered in 1965. 
• The Chetak Helicopter is a two ton class helicopter.  
• The seven seater Chetak helicopter is versatile, multi role, multipurpose, and spacious.  
• The helicopter is suitable for commuting, cargo / material transport, casualty evacuation, Search & Rescue (SAR), Aerial Survey & Patrolling, Emergency Medical Services, Off-shore operations and Under slung operations.  
• Till date, HAL has produced and sold more than 350 of these versatile Helicopters which are in service both in India and abroad

News Source: TH