The US Army has reportedly grounded all of its Chinook helicopters due to the risk of engine fires. The international media reports that such a step was taken with great caution. US military officials told the Wall Street Journal that the US military was aware of a small engine fire on a Chinook helicopter and that there were no injuries or other damage.
An official said that the Chinook engine caught fire recently. US authorities have grounded hundreds of helicopters. Of these, more than 70 helicopters were inspected. Reports also say that the problem has been found in some units. Engine problems with heavy-lift Chinook helicopters might be a major headache for Boeing to secure new orders. It is estimated that the US military has regarding 400 such helicopters.
India has regarding 15 CH-47 Chinook helicopters. Even in Ladakh and Siachen regions, the Chinook is used for important military purposes including airlift operations. India received the first batch of Chinook helicopters in February 2019. In 2020, Boeing delivered 15 more Chinook helicopters to the Indian Air Force.
The Chinook is one of the most powerful lift helicopters in the world. This mighty man first flew in 1962. He then joined the US Army. The Chinook was used by US forces in the Afghanistan, Iraq and Vietnam wars. The main task is to deliver the heavy machinery and weapons needed by the army to the difficult places where vehicles cannot reach. Chinook is characterized by high speed compared to its competitors.
Currently, the forces of US, Australia, Argentina, Iran, Italy, Japan, Oman, Spain, South Korea, UK and many other countries have this helicopter. The company has manufactured more than 1500 helicopters in various models so far.
India uses a newer version of the Chinook CH-F helicopter. The maximum speed is 302 km per hour. It can fly up to regarding 741 km in one go. It can fly up to a height of 6,100 meters. Chinook has a crew of 3. Apart from them, 33 to 35 soldiers can also be carried. It can also carry a weight of 10,886 kg. The helicopter is powered by two turbo shaft engines of 3,529 kW each.
English Summary: US Army Grounds Entire Chinook Chopper Fleet Over Engine Fires