IAF Hunts for All Terrain Vehicles After AN 32 Crash in Arunachal

The air force is scouting for all terrain vehicles (ATVs) after the tough search and retrieval operations for the missing AN 32 transport aircraft in Arunachal Pradesh saw rescue teams struggling for days to reach the crash site.

A demonstration was carried out for air force officers recently and capability discussions are underway to understand the requirement for a likely procurement of an unspecified number of all terrain vehicles.

These hardy vehicles, designed to traverse difficult terrain ranging from deserts to jungles and mountainous areas, are already in service with the army and paramilitary forces.

“We gave a demonstration of the capabilities of the vehicles to an air force team at our Faridabad facility. It is at capability assessment stage,” Pankaj Dubey, country head of Polaris India, told ET. The executive said demonstrations included the capability to carry out rescue operations with ATVs that were equipped with stretchers and basic medical equipment. He said the demonstration was carried out at a ‘very high level’. “The vehicles can be equipped with rescue equipment and can carry personnel. In the past we have demonstrated rescue missions,” Dubey said.

These hardy vehicles, designed to traverse difficult terrain ranging from deserts to jungles and mountainous areas, are already in service with the army and paramilitary forces.

Dubey said the company expects that 40% of its Indian revenues will come from government sales. Rescuers faced particular difficulties in reaching the AN 32 crash site even after it was discovered during a heliborne search operation on June 11.

Remains of the air force personnel could finally be retrieved on Thursday as bad weather kept air operations in suspension.

Source: ET

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