An Indian soldier walks past the C-130J-30 Super Hercules Aircraft during an induction ceremonyReuters
An Indian military jet has crashed near the country's central state of Madhya Pradesh killing all five crew members on board.
The recently-inducted C-130J transport aircraft belonging to the Indian Air Force (IAF) was on a routine training mission when it crashed 115kms from the Gwalior base, where it was originally scheduled to land.
The IAF said: "One C-130J aircraft crashed 72 miles (115 km) west of Gwalior air base. The aircraft was airborne from Agra at 1000 hours for a routine flying training mission. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident."
Local and federal officials have rushed to the crash site in the bordering district between the states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh where rescue operations are under way.
The US-made Super Hercules jet, India's biggest, was acquired in 2010. At least six C-130J aircraft have been operational since 2011.
New Delhi signed a $1.2bn deal with Washington in 2008 for purchasing half a dozen aircraft and the IAF has plans to procure six more jets.
Given the proven safety record and versatility of the four-engine aircraft, the crash has raised serious questions, posing a major setback to the IAF.
Powered by four Rolls Royce engines, the jet has a range of 3,332km and a top speed of 671kmph. It can carry up to 92 combat troops at an altitude of 28,000ft.
No comments:
Post a Comment