Latest news with #Antonov
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First Post
3 hours ago
- General
- First Post
Russia plane crash: What's the Antonov An-24 flight that crashed, killing 49 on board?
An Antonov An-24 passenger plane, which was earlier reported to be missing, has crashed with nearly 50 people on board in Russia's far east. Footage from the scene showed the aircraft crash in a densely forested area, with smoke rising from the site. Dubbed 'flying tractors', these planes are considered reliable by the Russian aviation ministry read more Smoke rises at the crash site of an Angara Airlines An-24 passenger plane near Tynda in the Amur Region, Russia July 24, 2025, in this still image taken from video. Federal Air Transport Agency/Handout via Reuters A Russian plane with about 50 people on board crashed in the country's far east on Thursday (July 24). Earlier, there were reports that the Antonov An-24 passenger plane disappeared about 16 km from its destination in the Amur region. The burning wreckage of the Angara airlines flight, carrying 42 passengers and six crew, was spotted on the ground by a helicopter. As per initial reports, all people on board the ill-fated plane are feared to have died. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What is the Russian aircraft involved in the crash? Is it safe? We will take a look. Russian plane crashes The Antonov An-24 passenger plane had left the city of Blagoveshchensk on Thursday and was en route to Tynda, a remote town in the Amur region bordering China. It vanished from radar screens as it prepared to land. 'Fifteen kilometres from Tynda, the wreckage of an An-24 was found on a slope. The plane was destroyed,' the Russian emergencies ministry said, as per the Interfax news agency. Footage from the scene showed the plane crash in a densely forested area, with smoke rising from the site. According to Vasily Orlov, the regional governor, there were 43 passengers, including five children, and six crew members on board. 'All necessary forces and means have been deployed to search for the plane,' he wrote. The Russian government has formed a commission to deal with the aftermath of the crash. An investigation into the cause of the crash has also been announced. Pilot error during landing in poor weather conditions or technical malfunction are being considered as possible causes. What we know about the Russian plane The tail number of the Antonov plane showed it was built in 1976 in the Soviet era. The aircraft was operated by the Soviet flag carrier Aeroflot before the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. It was currently being operated by a privately owned Siberian-based regional airline called Angara, as per a Reuters report. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Angara airline, based in the Siberian city of Irkutsk, operates in the airports in Siberia and Russia's far east. It has 10 An-24s built between 1972 and 1976, according to the RussianPlanes website. An An-24 aircraft of Angara Airlines lands at the airport of Irkutsk, Russia April 13, 2014. File Photo/Reuters Designed for short- and medium-haul airlines, the propeller-driven An-24 took its first flight in October 1959. Its cruise speed is 420 km/hour and operational range of 990 km. The An-24 is the original aircraft of the Antonov family of twin turboprop civil and military planes, as per Skybrary. Are Antonov planes safe? The An-24s have earned the moniker of 'flying tractors' as they are considered reliable workhorses by the Russian aviation industry. These planes are appropriate for harsh conditions in Siberia as they can operate in sub-zero temperatures and don't have to land on runways, reported Reuters. However, Antonov aircraft have seen over 60 mishaps since 2000, as per 1001 Crash. Three crashes involving planes from the Antonov family were reported in 2021 – two in Russia and one in Sudan. In 2022, an Antonov An-12 cargo plane with eight people on board crashed near the city of Kavala in northern Greece. An An-24RV veered off the runway as it landed at Nizhneangarsk Airport in Russia in July 2019, killing two crew members. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 2011, another Angara airlines An-24 crashed into the Ob river in Siberia, resulting in the death of seven passengers. The Angara Antonov 24 plane that crashed on Thursday had recently passed a technical inspection, as per officials. However, civil aviation authority told news agencies that the plane had been involved in four incidents since 2018, reported BBC. According to airline executives, pilots and industry experts, the cost of maintaining the Antonovs has surged after Western sanctions on Russia over its war in Ukraine hit investment and access to parts. Russia, whose fraction of a fleet of over 1,000 passenger planes is made up of Antonovs, was set to retire many of the planes in the coming years. But regional airlines continue to fly them as there are no alternatives yet. With inputs from agencies
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Russia plane crash: Horror moment helicopter FINDS wreckage with all passengers feared dead
Rescuers have revealed the horrific moment they discovered the wreckage of a plane that was carrying at least 48 people, including five children. The aircraft appeared to by flying normally until it disappeared Horrifying footage shows the moment a rescue helicopter found wreckage of a plane after it disappeared from radars. The An-24 plane was carrying at least 48 people - including five children - when it vanished in eastern Russia. It appeared to be flying normally, until a patch of bad weather hit the region, and it subsequently disappeared. Rescuers have now revealed the moment they saw a heavy band of smoke rising through the trees in a forested area. The helicopter slowly hovered over the area, and eventually found a huge band of rubble, believed to be the plane. So far only an aerial inspection of the crash site has been possible, and survivors were not seen. A 25-strong rescue team is on an hour-long trek to the scene. "On July 24 at 15:26 [local time], the missing An-24 passenger plane was discovered 16 km [9 miles] from Tynda towards Kuvykta on a mountain slope. According to the director of the Tynda airport, the plane caught fire when it crashed. "No survivors were found when the Mi-8 flew around from the air. Rescuers are heading to the scene. At the moment, 25 people, five units of equipment have been dispatched, and four aircraft with crews are on standby." Reports said wreckage of the missing An-24 plane was found nine miles from Tynda airport in Amur region, in the far east of Russia. Fuselage of the aircraft is on fire, according to the Ministry of Emergency Situations. It was spotted by an Mi-8 rescue helicopter, said officials. It was not initially clear if there were any survivors. Five children, four crew and two airline employees were on board. The total on board was put variously as 49 or 48. The An-24 departed from Blagoveshchensk after a two-hour delay, after a stopover during its flight from Khabarovsk to Tynda. The desperate search was on for the Angara Airlines aircraft, almost 50 years old, which disappeared from radar in poor weather near Tynda. There was low cloud and rain in the area. Later reports said the plane had vanished while making a second approach to Tynda airport in Amur region. "The An-24 plane was flying the Khabarovsk-Blagoveshchensk-Tynda route. Near the final point, it failed to check in. There is no contact with it," the emergency services told Interfax news agency. A criminal case has been opened regarding the disappearance of the plane, said the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for Transport. An emergencies ministry aircraft was sent to search for the missing Antonov plane. The An-24 is a twin turboprop transport aircraft developed in the Soviet Union during the late 1950s. It is still widely used in Russia, which has a poor record on air safety in remote regions.
India Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Apache power: US-made chopper is Indian Army's big move to control aviation assets
On the rainy July 22 morning, a Soviet-era Antonov cargo aircraft touched down at the Hindon airbase close to Delhi, delivering the first batch of American AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for the Indian Army. These helicopters—nicknamed 'Flying Tank' for their heavy firepower and battlefield resilience—are set to be deployed along the western front with Pakistan, significantly boosting India's armoured warfare induction marks a major step in the army's longstanding efforts at direct control over its combat aviation assets. The three helicopters delivered are part of a Rs 5,691 crore deal signed in February 2020 for six Apaches, specifically for the Indian Army. The choppers will be based at the newly raised 451 Army Aviation Squadron in Jodhpur, Rajasthan—strategically located for operations in the desert terrain bordering the Indian Air Force (IAF), which uses its 22 Apaches for air defence and deep-strike roles targeting enemy radar installations and command posts, the Indian Army intends to use its fleet for close air support, tank-busting missions and battlefield dominance during armoured delivery also rekindles a long-running turf war between the Indian Army and the IAF over control of attack helicopters. Since Independence, the IAF has retained command over all offensive air assets, including attack and heavy-lift helicopters. The army, however, has argued that helicopter gunships meant to support ground forces should be under the Army Aviation Corps' operational command in order to ensure better coordination and effectiveness in battlefield scenarios. Official sources claim that the arrival of the Apache helicopters is not just a boost in firepower—it represents a symbolic shift in the army's growing ambitions to carve out greater control over integrated air-land warfare. The delivery of all six helicopters is expected soon, after which they will be formally inducted and operationalised for July 22 delivery is more than just acquisition of cutting-edge hardware—it signals a strategic evolution of India's approach to modern aerial warfare. Built in Mesa, Arizona, the AH-64E is widely regarded as the most advanced multi-role combat helicopter in service globally. It forms the backbone of the US army's attack helicopter fleet and is also part of arsenals of several allied nations, including AH-64E incorporates 26 new technologies to enhance battlefield performance. These include advanced digital connectivity, the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System, more powerful T700-GE-701D engines with enhanced transmissions, improved rotor blades made of composite materials, and the ability to control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) mid-flight—allowing manned-unmanned teaming in real time. Globally, over 400 AH-64Es have been delivered, and the US army fleet alone has clocked more than 4.5 million flight as the Apaches strengthen India's capabilities against Pakistan in the western theatre, a parallel and significant development is unfolding on the eastern front. This March, the defence ministry signed a Rs 62,700 crore (approximately $7.3 billion) contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 156 'Prachand' light combat helicopters, underscoring the increasing role of rotorcraft in India's war-fighting doctrine. These helicopters—66 for the IAF and 90 for the Indian Army—will be delivered over the next five years, with deliveries starting in the third for high-altitude warfare, the Prachand is tailored to Indian needs, especially for deployment along the contested Himalayan border with China. With modern stealth features, armour protection and potent night-attack capabilities, the helicopter is optimised for precision strikes in extreme terrain. This makes it a vital counter to Chinese advancements in attack helicopter People's Liberation Army (PLA) has made significant strides with its Z-10 attack helicopter, also known as the Zhishengji-10 or the 'Fierce Thunderbolt'. Also dubbed the 'Chinese Apache' due to its design resemblance and battlefield role, the Z-10 represents China's growing ambitions to rival the US and western rotorcraft the arrival of the US-made Apaches and scaling up of India's homegrown Prachand fleet reflect a broader shift in India's aerial doctrine—one that emphasises on layered, terrain-specific attack helicopter capabilities across two distinct fronts. As the global strategic environment evolves, India's twin investments in American and indigenous platforms ensure it retains a credible edge in both desert and mountain to India Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch
India.com
2 days ago
- Automotive
- India.com
Desert Guardians Arrive: Indian Army Boosts Offensive Power with Apache Helicopters
Desert Guardians Arrive: Indian Army Boosts Offensive Power with Apache Helicopters The Indian Army has achieved a major milestone with the arrival of its first three Apache helicopters. These advanced combat machines, painted in desert camouflage, arrived in an Antonov transport aircraft and will greatly strengthen India's military power. The helicopters will be stationed in Jodhpur with the Army Aviation Corps, making them perfect 'Desert Guardians' for India's challenging western border region. These Apache AH-64E helicopters represent a significant boost to India's defense capabilities, especially along the Pakistan border. Before entering active service, they will undergo a routine Joint Receipt Inspection. Once approved, they will be immediately ready for real combat operations. The delivery marks an important step in the growing defense partnership between India and the United States, following recent discussions between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth about expanding military cooperation. The journey to acquire these helicopters faced challenges. Originally scheduled for delivery in May 2024, supply chain problems caused a 15-month delay. This delivery completes a $600 million deal that India signed with the United States in 2020 for six advanced Apache helicopters specifically for the Army. The remaining three helicopters are expected to arrive by November this year. The Apache helicopter is globally recognized as the world's most advanced multi-role combat helicopter. Made by Boeing in the United States, it excels in various missions from attacking enemy targets to supporting ground troops. The AH-64E version is the newest and most technologically advanced variant, currently used by the U.S. Army and many allied nations including India, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, and the United Kingdom. What makes the Apache AH-64E special is its cutting-edge technology. It features an open system design that allows easy upgrades of communication, navigation, and weapon systems. The helicopter has more powerful engines, better digital integration with military systems, and improved survival features to protect crews in dangerous situations. Its advanced targeting systems include special infrared lasers for precise target marking, while multi-spectrum vision combines night vision and thermal imaging for superior visibility in all conditions. The Apache's specifications are impressive. It carries two crew members – a pilot and a co-pilot who also operates weapons. The helicopter measures 17.7 meters in total length and 3.8 meters in height. When empty, it weighs 5,165 kg, but fully loaded for combat, it can weigh up to 8,006 kg. It can fly at speeds up to 269 km/h, has a combat range of 483 km, and can stay airborne for 2.5 hours during missions. The helicopter's weapon systems make it truly formidable. Its main gun is a powerful 30 mm chain gun holding 1,200 bullets. It has four weapon stations that can carry various missiles and rockets. These include Hellfire missiles for destroying tanks and bunkers, Spike and Maverick missiles for long-range ground targets, Stinger missiles for shooting down enemy aircraft, and 70 mm rockets for attacking vehicles and enemy positions. This comprehensive arsenal makes the Apache capable of engaging targets on land, sea, and in the air. The Indian Air Force already operates 22 Apache helicopters successfully, proving India's ability to handle these sophisticated machines. The 2020 contract for six additional helicopters for the Army expands India's rotary-wing combat capabilities, giving ground commanders their own air support assets. This dual-service approach maximizes the Apache's potential across different military branches. These acquisitions support India's self-reliance vision in defense manufacturing. While the Apache represents international cooperation, it complements India's indigenous helicopter programs. In 2024, India signed contracts worth over ₹8,000 crore for 34 domestically-built ALH Dhruv helicopters – 25 for the Army and 9 for the Coast Guard. This strategy combines proven international platforms with developing domestic capabilities. The positioning of Apache helicopters in Jodhpur provides strategic advantages. This location offers optimal coverage for western border operations, specialized desert warfare training, and rapid response capability for emerging threats. As 'Desert Guardians,' these helicopters enhance India's offensive power through deep strike missions, close air support for ground troops, anti-armor operations, and advanced reconnaissance using sophisticated sensors. The Apache arrival brings immediate benefits including enhanced deterrence, tactical flexibility, force multiplication effects, and seamless integration with the Air Force's existing Apache fleet. Long-term goals include technology transfer, strengthening industrial partnerships with allies, and contributing to regional stability through defensive strength. The arrival of these Desert Guardians represents more than just adding three helicopters – it marks a significant advancement in India's military modernization. As these Apache AH-64E helicopters begin defending India's western frontier, they combine cutting-edge technology, proven capability, and strategic positioning to serve as guardians of India's sovereignty for decades ahead.
NDTV
2 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
3 Apache Choppers, Painted In Desert Camo, Arrive For Indian Army From US
New Delhi: The Indian Army has received the first batch of three Apache helicopters that will massively boost its offensive and operational capabilities. The state-of-the-art choppers, painted in desert camouflage, arrived at the Hindon airbase this afternoon from the United States in an Antonov transport aircraft. This is the first time the Indian Army would operate Apache helicopters, undoubtedly among the world's best fighter choppers. The Indian Air Force already operates 22 of the heavy attack helicopters. These new choppers, known as "tanks in the air", will be deployed in Jodhpur near the western border with Pakistan. "Milestone moment for Indian Army as the first batch of Apache helicopters for Army Aviation arrive today in India. These state-of-the-art platforms will bolster the operational capabilities of the #IndianArmy significantly," said the Indian Army, sharing the first photos of helicopters in India. The Boeing-manufactured choppers will now undergo a process of acceptance that includes various trials. The three choppers are part of a $600 million deal to buy six Apache helicopters, which was signed between New Delhi and Washington during President Donald Trump's India visit in his first term in 2020. Under this deal, the first batch of three helicopters was set to arrive during May-June 2024, but supply line disruptions and geopolitical developments kept postponing the delivery. The Indian Air Force already has two active Apache squadrons in Pathankot in Punjab and Jorhat in Assam. The Apache helicopters can be used for attack purposes as well as for security, reconnaissance, and peace operations. These are equipped with state-of-the-art targeting systems that provide accurate data on the target in all weather conditions. The choppers are armed with night vision navigation systems and have the latest communication, navigation, sensor, and weapon systems.
