The Hindu Business Line : `Chetan' passes Siachen tests

CHETAN, the helicopter re-engined and upgraded by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, has passed some very critical tests under hostile conditions on the Siachen Glacier. The tests are of crucial importance in evacuating injured soldiers at the highest helipad on the glacier, a HAL release said.

After re-engining, Chetan has reached its service ceiling of 21,300 feet, almost double its earlier capacity as Chetak, the older version. It can now carry five passengers or 100 kg at those heights and at cold Siachen temperatures. It has many advantages such as a larger cabin volume over the Cheetah, another helicopter being used by the armed forces at high altitudes.

The HAL Chairman, Mr Ashok K. Baweja, said, "Chetan is sure to become a friend in need for the casualty thereby giving a morale booster for our troops."

"Chetan's feat is a double delight to HAL," said Wg Cdr (Retd) C.D. Upadhyay, HAL Chief Test Pilot.

"It will now enable the evacuation of casualty lying at even the highest helipad on the glacier."

The helicopter in now ready to go for production/upgradation as required by its operators, HAL said.

The copter, piloted by Wg Cdr P.S. Rao and Wg Cdr S. Jain, underwent a series of trials from August 16 to 23. "We have gone for a trial validation and Chetan had never operated there before.

The tests were conducted well within the existing envelope of the original helicopter (Chetak)," the pilots, who are back in Bangalore, said.

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