Navy To De-Induct TU 142M Aircraft Which Provided Over 30,000 Hours Of Accident-Free Flying

The Indian Navy’s Long-Range Maritime Patrol aircraft TU 142M, which has been serving India for over 29 years would be de-inducted in a function in Arakkpnam on March 29.

 

The Russia built aircraft, TU 142M was first inducted in the Indian Navy in they year 1988 at Dabolim, Goa.

Later, after several years of Naval exercise and operations, it’s base was shifted to INS Rajali in the year 1992 and since then it has completed over 30,000 hours of accident-free flying.

 

#TU142M This mighty Albatross carried missile torpedoes, depth charges & sonobuoys.Pse note the ‘msl-torp’ getting released @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/8KoTORqmDD

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) March 25, 2017

The aircraft would be formally de-inducted from service on March 29 at INS Rajali in the presence of Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba.

 

#TU142M – 3xChetaks+2xDorniers+1 each IL38 & Boeing P8 I with a pack of AJT Hawks 2 fly along Mighty TU 4 final send off @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/IimpfgzOAM

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) March 29, 2017

TU 142M was known for its enhanced endurance, speed, long range weapons, and sensors and its use had transformed the aspects of Maritime Reconnaissance for the Indian Navy.

In the last 29 years, the aircraft participated in several missions off Sri Lanka and was an important part of operation ‘Cactus’ in Maldives which provide “airborne surveillance.”

 

After the de-induction of TU 142M aircraft, the Indian Navy would also formally induct a P-8I aircraft in its service at the same event.