Although India has temporarily suspended its part in the search for missing Malaysia Airlines jet, it has turned out to be a costly affair, experts say.
In the hunt for MH370–which India dubbed Operation Search Light—the country deployed six ships – three each from the navy and the coast guard. It also lent Dornier aircraft belonging to the navy and the coast guard and even its P-8I, a long-range maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft, to the effort.
India on Sunday suspended its search operations, which covered more than 200,000 square kilometers of the Andaman Sea and Indian Ocean.
Here is a quick look at the vital statistics of some of the military hardware that was deployed:
P-8I Aircraft: P-8I Poseidon aircraft manufactured by Boeing Co. is a long range anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft that is also used for surveillance. The aircraft is capable of carrying out maritime as well as littoral operations.
It has a length of 129.5 feet and has a wingspan of 123.6 feet. It travels at a speed of 490 knots and can accommodate nine people.
C-130J: The C-130J Super Hercules aircraft produced by Lockheed Martin Corp. is capable of flying up to 9,000 kilometers on a single hop and has a payload of close to 20 tons.
INS Saryu: The Indian vessel is mainly meant for surveillance, patrolling and providing security. The ship is capable of carrying a helicopter and comes with a SRGM 76.22 mm gun and two 30 mm guns. It is equipped with the latest navigational systems and early-warning radar.
The top speed this ship can attain is 25 knots thanks to its two large diesel engines. It joined the Indian Navy fleet just last year in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
INS Kumbhir: The INS Kumbhir—which means crocodile–is an amphibious warship commissioned by the Indian Navy in 1986. The ships are used to transport troops and military equipment to the shore during a military operation. It is capable of traveling in shallow waters.
The vessel is 83.9 meters long and can reach a speed of 18 knots.
INS Kesari: The INS Kesari belongs to the Indian Navy’s Shardul class and is mainly used to transport troops, vehicles and cargo during a military operation.
The 124.8 meter-long vessel can reach a speed of 15.8 knots.
Kanaklata Barua and Bhikaji Cama: These are small but fast-moving patrolling vessels operated by the Indian coast guard. They are around 45 meters long and can travel at a speed of 30 knots an hour. They have the space to carry 30 to 35 people.
CGS Sagar: This is a large patrolling vessel with a helicopter on board. Sagar is 103 meters long and can carry around 120 people. The highest speed the ship can attain is 25 knots an hour. It was looking for the missing jet in the Straits of Malacca.
Dornier aircraft: These are smaller aircraft primarily used for surveillance purposes and can fly for up to about four and a half hours. They can carry eight to 10 people. These planes were deployed near the Andaman and Nicobar islands.
MI-17 V5: The Russia-made helicopter is equipped with modern avionics and can be flown using night vision goggles.
Chetak: It is a single-engine, light utility helicopter and the Indian version of a French helicopter that is produced by state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. The Chetak has a capacity of six passengers.
(By: The Wall Street Journal)
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