After 30,000 hours of accident-free flying for nearly three decades, the TU-142M long range maritime patrol aircraft will be de-inducted at the INS Rajali naval air station in Arakkonam on Wednesday by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba.
Its role will be taken on by the newly inducted Boeing P-8I aircraft.
Inducted into the Navy at Dabolim Goa from the erstwhile USSR in 1988, the TU-142M, also capable of anti-submarine warfare operations, shifted its base and made INS Rajali its permanent home in 1992, says a release.
The aircraft was part of all major exercises and operations including “Operation Cactus” in Maldives, “Operation Vijay” in 1998, “Operation Parakram” in 2002 and anti-piracy operations from 2011 till date.
With its four powerful engines, contra-rotating, slender fuselage and swept wings, TU-142M aircraft is the fastest turboprop aircraft in the world. In fact, it has been difficult for fighters to intercept it, the release said.
Over the years, the aircraft underwent several modifications with retro fitments to keep in tune with evolving technology and changing requirements of the Navy. It performed well during naval exercise TROPEX conducted this month.
Winning laurels
Winning laurels was nothing new for the squadron. It was awarded Unit Citation by the Chief of the Naval Staff in 2002 for its “outstanding professionalism and momentous contribution” to the Navy, and adjudged the Best Frontline Squadron on numerous occasions over the years.
On Wednesday, Commander Yogender Mair, last commanding officer of the TU-142M squadron, will hand over the reins to Commander V. Ranganthan, who will be the first commanding officer of the P-8I squadron.
To commemorate the TU-142M's service in the last 29 years, a static display of the aircraft would be inaugurated at INS Rajali.
The day marks another milestone - INS Rajali celebrates its silver jubilee, the release said.
