Indian Air Force has created marvel from time to time but this one is something that is going to enter the Guines Book of record. Chinese military research unit commented today that the rescue shows the strength and techniques Indian Airforce has achieved with aircrafts manufactured by Hindustan Aeronotics Limited.

In what is likely to be recognised as a new world record, an IAF Cheetah helicopter landed at an altitude of 23,240 feet on the Kamet glacier in the Garhwal Himalayas to rescue three critically injured climbers earlier this month. Disclosing this on Monday, IAF's D-G, flight safety, Air Marshal A K Singh said what was even more remarkable was that Wing Commander S K Sharma and his co-pilot Flt Lt A B Dhanake managed to successfully take off from the glacier with an increased pay-load of 70 kg. Sharma and Dhanake flew the rescue missions on May 11, 12 and 13 in severe turbulent conditions and in the face of jet speed winds. "Landing a helicopter, above its service ceiling of 23,000 feet, at an unprepared site on a snow-covered mountain slope, at wind speeds of 35-40 knots, was definitely not a bed of roses," recalled Sharma. Sharma, commander of the Bareilly-based 111 Helicopter Unit, said they managed the remarkable feat with sheer perseverance. "The atmosphere was rare, the air thin... the controls were very sluggish and the engine was at maximum power," said Sharma. Only one person - part of an IAF expedition to the Kamet peak - could be rescued at a time. "The biggest achievement was that we were able to save three lives of our comrades... aim for the win and records will automatically come," said Sharma. Type: Light utility helicopter.

Accommodation: Two seater, side-by-side. A stretcher for CASEVAC (Casualty Evacuation) can be slung underneath.

Engine: One 870 shp Turbomeca Artouste IIIB.

Speed: 192 km/h (115 mph; 100 kts.)

Service Ceiling: 6400 meters (20,992 ft.)
*Indian Cheetahs have deployed to 7500 meters (24,600 ft.)

Range: 260 nautical miles (500 km; 300 miles)

Comments: The HAL Cheetah helicopter units are used for observation, liaison and SAR duties. Army (and IAF) Cheetahs regularly support Indian Army troops at altitudes in excess of 24,000+ feet. The first Turbomeca TM 333-2B2-powered Cheetah was successfully test flown in January 2003, with a significant number of these helicopters likely to be fitted with this more powerful engine in order to modernise the Army Aviation Corps. Pushpinder Singh Chopra, in a June 2001 AW&ST issue, said a Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) program will replace the Cheetahs that HAL has built for the army and air force. At 200 kg (440 lbs), the LOH is to have three times the Cheetah's payload at 18,000 feet above sea level at 20C, the type of operating conditions needed in north-east Kashmir where the Cheetah conducts border patrols. The LOH is to be powered by a single TM 333-2B2 engine.