US-2 aircraft on Bengal aviation map

Ray

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US-2 aircraft on Bengal aviation map

KOLKATA: Buoyed by the stupendous success of chopper services to districts, the state government has now decided to introduce amphibious aircraft to bring about a radical change in the underutilized aviation sector in Bengal. The aircraft would be used as air ambulances, fly tourists and carry rescue operations. The state government has already got the Centre's approval to start services.

"We could initiate an aviation culture with the helicopter service. The response shows that the services have great potential in the state," said transport minister Madan Mitra. He was referring to the high demand of subsidized chopper rides to places like Gangasagar, Santiniketanm Durgapur, Malda and Balurghat. The recently concluded Gangasagar fair saw the first air-ambulance service in the state, which played a crucial role in saving the life of a seven-year-old girl who had suffered a serious fracture and needed to be operated on immediately.

Pawan Hans, country's leading firm that deals with chopper operations, has completed a survey for flight operations to Bagdogra, Purulia, Durgapur, Balurghat and Cooch Behar. The company has also surveyed locations at Digha, Haldia, Tajpur and Farakka, where amphibious aircraft can land.

The US-2, a Japanese large STOL amphibious aircraft, has been shortlisted for operations. Though it's primarily a military aircraft, a US-2 can be retrofitted for civilian use. Developed by ShinMaywa, it has a range of 4,700km and can land in seas with waves of up to 3m. It is a versatile aircraft for search and rescue operations as well, partly owing to its short take-off ability. These US-2 amphibious aircraft will be manufactured in India shortly.

At present, the state transport department is revamping the aerodromes in different districts. The aerodromes are now being used as helipad but they will be more widely used in near future with the introduction of US-2 operations.

The Behala flying club, which is going to be the hub of state's short-haul flights, is getting a thorough renovation as well. "We have requested the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to repair the boundary wall to secure this property. If they don't, we would do it. Secondly, the road leading to the airport is being re-laid. We are also putting up signage to guide cars from Behala and Taratala," said a transport engineer.

US-2 aircraft on Bengal aviation map - The Times of India
 

Ray

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It will enhance the surveillance capability since a new radar is being placed on the WB coast.
 

abingdonboy

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So civilian variants of the US-2 will be ordered along with those for the IN? Strange, this is pretty big news but nothing has been reported on this....
 

Kunal Biswas

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Some details >>







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Facility for landing ..



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The aircraft has great potential, Given for recon with sensors so does search and rescue, But as a passenger aircraft with only 20 personal, Might not be a good idea ..


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For passenger service, BE-200 amphibians are best as it can carry 72 passengers, US-2 is a military grade aircraft ..
 

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