Exclusive! So, we thought it was an issue only with the MiGs?
Pix Source-PTI Neelam Mathews Sept 6, 2012 How long will it be before we see more horrific images related to the Cheetah and Chetak helicopters? Already, around 20 accidents have occured in the past years related to these machines. The reason is familiar- lack of spares in the international market as production of the Lama has closed down! The French Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama , single-engined helicopter that combines the lighter Alouette II airframe with Alouette III components and powerplant was licence built by HAL in India as the Cheetah and the Alouette III was license built by HAL as the Chetak. Aerospace Diary learns that with lack of spares in the market for the helicopters, HAL has started to cannabalise parts. Which means there are more AOGs - not helping the dire situation. Many vendors that supplied parts to Eurocopter during the heydays are no longer around. We hear that the EC blade production line is ope...