Demonstration of all terrain vehicles was given to Air Force representatives; can be useful for difficult rescue ops

by Manu Pubby

NEW DELHI: The air force is scouting for all terrain vehicles (ATVs) after the tough search and retrieval operations for the missing AN 32 transport aircraft in Arunachal Pradesh saw rescue teams struggling for days to reach the crash site.

A demonstration was carried out for air force officers recently and capability discussions are underway to understand the requirement for a likely procurement of an unspecified number of all terrain vehicles.

These hardy vehicles, designed to traverse difficult terrain ranging from deserts to jungles and mountainous areas, are already in service with the army and paramilitary forces.

"We gave a demonstration of the capabilities of the vehicles to an air force team at our Faridabad facility. It is at capability assessment stage," Pankaj Dubey, country head of Polaris India, told ET. The executive said demonstrations included the capability to carry out rescue operations with ATVs that were equipped with stretchers and basic medical equipment. He said the demonstration was carried out at a 'very high level'. "The vehicles can be equipped with rescue equipment and can carry personnel. In the past we have demonstrated rescue missions," Dubey said.

Polaris is the leading supplier of all terrain vehicles to security forces with forces using the vehicles in snow bound areas along the border. Police forces, including the Jammu and Kashmir Police, have different variants of the all terrain vehicles.

Dubey said the company expects that 40% of its Indian revenues will come from government sales. Rescuers faced particular difficulties in reaching the AN 32 crash site even after it was discovered during a heliborne search operation on June 11.

Remains of the air force personnel could finally be retrieved on Thursday as bad weather kept air operations in suspension.