New Delhi: In an innovative step, the IAF on Saturday established an aviation fuel supply bridge at Dharasu in Uttarakhand to give greater impetus to the rescue operations, which were being severely restricted because of unavailability of aviation fuel.
The first C-130J Super Hercules from the Hindon airbase landed at Dharasu, an advanced landing ground with an airstrip only 1300 feet long, early on Saturday for the first time despite inclement weather.
"On landing, the aircraft defuelled 8,000 litres of fuel into an empty bowser (a tanker containing fuel for aircraft) which had been airlifted on Friday from Sarsawa by a Mi-26 heavy-lift helicopter. With the availability of additional fuel now at Dharasu, rescue operations have picked up pace and helicopters are now able to make more sorties," said IAF spokesperson Squadron Leader Priya Joshi. Apart from carrying fuel to Dharasu, the first C-130J on its return trip carried about 40 and the second aircraft about 100 injured and stranded pilgrims to the Hindon airbase. An emergency medical centre has been set up at Hindon to tend to people arriving on board the aircraft.
23/06/13 Times of India
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The first C-130J Super Hercules from the Hindon airbase landed at Dharasu, an advanced landing ground with an airstrip only 1300 feet long, early on Saturday for the first time despite inclement weather.
"On landing, the aircraft defuelled 8,000 litres of fuel into an empty bowser (a tanker containing fuel for aircraft) which had been airlifted on Friday from Sarsawa by a Mi-26 heavy-lift helicopter. With the availability of additional fuel now at Dharasu, rescue operations have picked up pace and helicopters are now able to make more sorties," said IAF spokesperson Squadron Leader Priya Joshi. Apart from carrying fuel to Dharasu, the first C-130J on its return trip carried about 40 and the second aircraft about 100 injured and stranded pilgrims to the Hindon airbase. An emergency medical centre has been set up at Hindon to tend to people arriving on board the aircraft.
23/06/13 Times of India
