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Indian Air Force gains independence in overhaul of Mi-17 1V choppers - TOI Mobile | The Times of India Mobile Site
NAGPUR: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been able to gain independence in maintenance of Russian-made Mi-17 1V choppers — second in the Mi-17 series of helicopters deployed with it. This is important because even though India has a sizeable number of aircraft of this make, with the latest Mi-17 V5 series too being inducted recently, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has not parted with the technology in the 1V series.
Without transfer of technology (ToT) for the Mi-17 1V version, IAF was entirely dependent on the OEM. Over the last some months, however, the base repair depots (BRD) under IAF's maintenance command have been able to largely manage the overhaul on their own. So far three helicopters have been overhauled with the fourth on its way out, said a senior officer involved in the affair.
Even though there was no ToT, it was found that the systems in Mi-17 1V are almost similar to those in the basic Mi-17s, in which the IAF is already well-versed. All the major components of Mi-17 1V, except four that are not mainline spares, have been now developed by the maintenance command itself. It has also geared up for overhaul of the fleet on a regular basis, said the source.
At the same time, IAF is already fully assembling the latest V5 version at its BRD in Chandigarh.
The Mi-17 is a medium lift helicopter used for transport, especially in high altitude areas, and to a certain extent even in anti-Naxal operations.
The maintenance command has recently floated request for proposal (RFP) seeking participation of private players in the overhaul of AN-32 transport and MiG-29 fighter aircraft. The technical bids will be opened by March-end. "Currently a series of pre-bid meetings are being held with the prospective parties and so far the response has been encouraging," a source said. As far as AN-32 is concerned, private players will be also involved in development of spares.
NAGPUR: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been able to gain independence in maintenance of Russian-made Mi-17 1V choppers — second in the Mi-17 series of helicopters deployed with it. This is important because even though India has a sizeable number of aircraft of this make, with the latest Mi-17 V5 series too being inducted recently, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has not parted with the technology in the 1V series.
Without transfer of technology (ToT) for the Mi-17 1V version, IAF was entirely dependent on the OEM. Over the last some months, however, the base repair depots (BRD) under IAF's maintenance command have been able to largely manage the overhaul on their own. So far three helicopters have been overhauled with the fourth on its way out, said a senior officer involved in the affair.
Even though there was no ToT, it was found that the systems in Mi-17 1V are almost similar to those in the basic Mi-17s, in which the IAF is already well-versed. All the major components of Mi-17 1V, except four that are not mainline spares, have been now developed by the maintenance command itself. It has also geared up for overhaul of the fleet on a regular basis, said the source.
At the same time, IAF is already fully assembling the latest V5 version at its BRD in Chandigarh.
The Mi-17 is a medium lift helicopter used for transport, especially in high altitude areas, and to a certain extent even in anti-Naxal operations.
The maintenance command has recently floated request for proposal (RFP) seeking participation of private players in the overhaul of AN-32 transport and MiG-29 fighter aircraft. The technical bids will be opened by March-end. "Currently a series of pre-bid meetings are being held with the prospective parties and so far the response has been encouraging," a source said. As far as AN-32 is concerned, private players will be also involved in development of spares.
