Vijay Mohan

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 8

Even as a case for procurement of 48 Mi 17-V5 helicopters is underway, the Air Force’s VVIP transport fleet is getting a boost with two more such helicopters being modified for ferrying the nation’s top leaders.

The IAF’s No 3 base repair depot here, responsible for the maintenance of Russian-origin helicopters, has been tasked to convert two V5s, the Mi-17 latest version, from the conventional freighter version to VIP configuration.

The IAF has already modified a few Mi-17s for the VIP transport role, which form part of the Air Headquarters Communications Squadron based at Palam in New Delhi.

The move to induct Mi-17s in the squadron followed the phasing out of the Mi-8 helicopters and plans to induct the Italian AgustaWestland machines falling apart over corruption charges.

Modification of the choppers includes refurbishment, air-conditioning and soundproofing of the cabin, installing passenger seats as in airliners, making provisions for a small toilet and adding other necessary security and communication paraphernalia.

The IAF has projected a requirement to 6-8 Mi-17s for VIP role. While it earlier operated six Mi-8, a deal for 12 Agusta helicopters was signed, out of which three were actually delivered when the controversy erupted.

The numbers notwithstanding, a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General in 2016 had revealed significant under-utilisation of the fleet, with the shortfall in flying training being as high as 65 per cent.

The Air Force has inducted 151 Mi-17 V5 helicopters to replace Mi-8 and older versions of the Mi-17. These were assembled and flight-tested by 3BRD, where technical facilities for their maintenance and overhaul have also recently come up. Of the 48 prospective inductions, 38 would go to the IAF.