ITANAGAR: In a major boost to the country’s rapid airlift capability in Arunachal Pradesh, the mighty C-17 Globemaster aircraft, on Thursday, made its first landing at Mechuka Advanced Landing Ground, just 29 km from Sino-Indian border. At an elevation of 6,200 ft with a landing surface only 4,200 ft long, the plane landed, validating its short field landing performance at high altitude.
“This is a quantum jump from the existing capability of An-32 and C-130J aircraft. Such airlift capability facilitates speedy transfer of men and material in this rugged terrain,” the IAF said.
This trial landing is expected to pave the way for operation of civil flights, to boost tourism in the Northeast through connectivity. (PTI)
