Three Indian Navy Boeing P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft lined up prior to delivery. P65801 Boeing Image.

Malaysia Airlines #MH370: Australia search maps, India sends most advanced aircraft

March 24, 2014 Comments Off on Malaysia Airlines #MH370: Australia search maps, India sends most advanced aircraft 347 Views

The search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 continues off the coast of Australia. The three maps below show the areas searched till date, and what is planned for March 24, 2014.

Global news agencies are focussing on the US Navy P-8A Poseidon which is arguably one of the best, if not the best, maritime surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft in the skies today, which has been deployed in the search. Quietly, the Indian Navy, which is the only other operator this highly advanced aircraft has sent one its P-8I’s, IN322, to aid in the multi-nation search effort.

Indian Air Force Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules KC-3801 of 77 Squadron 'Veiled Vipers'
Indian Air Force Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules KC-3801 of 77 Squadron ‘Veiled Vipers’. Photo courtesy Lockheed Martin.

Accompanying the P-8I is another advanced aircraft, the C-130J-30 Super Hercules of the 77 Squadron ‘Veiled Vipers’ of Indian Air Force, which is fitted out for use by the special forces, including the famous NSG Black Cats. Both aircraft have long endurance capabilities coupled with state-of-the-art electro-optronic and infra-red search and reconnaissance equipment on board.

The Indian Navy P-8I has long endurance coupled with state-of-the-art electro optronic and infra-red search and reconnaissance equipment on board. Photo courtesy Indian Navy
The Indian Navy P-8I has long endurance coupled with state-of-the-art electro optronic and infra-red search and reconnaissance equipment on board.

MH 370 Australia search region – maps for March 24, 2014

Malaysia Airlines MH370 Cumulative searched areas till March 24, 2014. Picture courtesy AMSA
Malaysia Airlines MH370 Cumulative searched areas till March 24, 2014. Picture courtesy AMSA
MH370 Malaysia Airlines search area maps March 24 2014
Malaysia Airlines MH370 Planned search area March 24, 2014. Picture courtesy AMSA.
Malaysia Airlines MH370 planned searched area March 24, 2014. Picture courtesy AMSA
Malaysia Airlines MH370 planned searched area March 24, 2014. Picture courtesy AMSA

This is indeed the most baffling air incident that has occurred till date, and with each passing day, theories are getting thrown out one by one. Our prayers continue with the families of the persons on board this flight.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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