The Indian Navy has de-inducted TU142M Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft after 29 years of dedicated service to the nation and 30,000 hours of accident-free flying.
The aircraft was formally de-inducted at a ceremony held at INS Rajali naval air station in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu.
Now its role will be taken on by the newly inducted Boeing P-8I aircraft.
Key Points
TU-142M was inducted into the Indian Navy at Dabolim Goa from the erstwhile USSR in 1988.
Later it shifted base and made INS Rajali its permanent home in 1992. It was the fastest turboprop aircraft in the world.
It had four powerful engines, contra-rotating, slender fuselage and swept wings.
Since its induction, it was the mainstay of maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare operations of the Indian Navy.
It had participated in all major naval exercises and operations such as operation ‘Cactus’ in Maldives, Operation Vijay (1998), Operation Parakram (2002) and anti-piracy operations from 2011 to till date.
It also had played important role in transforming aspects of maritime reconnaissance and airborne anti-submarine warfare of Navy with its enhanced endurance, speed, long range weapons and sensors.
TU-142M aircraft squadron was awarded Unit Citation by the Chief of Naval Staff in 2002 and was adjudged the Best Frontline Squadron on numerous occasions over the years.
Current Affairs 28th March, 2017 Current Affairs One Liners 28th March, 2017 Current Affairs Round Up Bullet Points, February, 2016
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