Similarities Between Helicopter That Killed Iran President Ebrahim Raisi And Kenya’s CDF Ogolla’s Chopper
Tragic Helicopter Incidents: A Comparative Analysis
- Iranian President’s Fatal Crash
Sunday’s news from Iran shocked the world as reports surfaced of a helicopter carrying President Ebrahim Raisi crashing, with prominent figures including Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian also onboard.
Early Monday updates from Iranian media, including state-run channels, confirmed the devastating news of both the President and his Foreign Minister perishing in the crash.
International news sources detailed the incident as a ‘hard landing,’ involving one of the helicopters in a convoy, with the rest reaching their destinations unscathed.
The tragic event unfolded amidst challenging conditions in a mountainous area veiled by dense fog.
A later report by Reuters disclosed that President Raisi and his entourage were aboard a Bell 212 helicopter, manufactured by BellFlight.
This particular company also produced the Bell Huey II, which was involved in a previous incident resulting in the demise of the former Chief of the Defence Forces, Ogolla.
President Raisi’s helicopter, a civilian variant derived from the UH-1N Twin Huey, had its roots in the military helicopter design of the Vietnam War era.
The Bell 212, an upgraded version of the UH-1 Iroquois, introduced in the 1960s, differed notably with its two turboshaft engines, unlike its predecessor, which had only one.
Both civilians and government officials, including those from developed nations like the United States and Canada, prefer the civilian version of the Bell 212 for its versatility and operational capabilities.
Capable of functioning in diverse environments, transporting passengers, and supporting firefighting and military operations, the Bell 212 stands as a reliable choice.
2. Comparison with Ogolla’s Incident
Ogolla’s tragic helicopter accident, which occurred in April, involved a machine from a design period spanning from 1956 to 1987.
Primarily utilized by the United States Army, the Australian Army, and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces, the Huey II gained prominence during the Vietnam War, with a staggering 16,000 units manufactured.
Similar to the Bell 212, the Huey II boasts passenger transport capabilities along with emergency features and the option for weaponization.
Recent versions of the Bell Huey II have incorporated commercial dynamic components, enhancing performance even under challenging conditions.
With endorsements for various missions including troop transport, medical evacuation, and VIP transport, the Huey II remains a top choice.
Military Deployment and International Context
Iran’s armed forces operate 10 Bell 212 helicopters, while Bell Huey helicopters were provided to the Kenya Air Force in 2017 through the United States Embassy’s security cooperation program in Africa.
Ogolla’s unfortunate demise on April 18 resulted from a helicopter accident near the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet, marking another tragic chapter in helicopter mishaps.
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Similarities Between Helicopter That Killed Iran President Ebrahim Raisi And Kenya’s CDF Ogolla’s Chopper
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