New Delhi, Feb 3 (IANS) The final batch of 151 Mi-17V-5 helicopters has been delivered to India by Russian Helicopters, part of the state corporation Rostec, an official statement said on Wednesday.
The defence ministry has already cleared a proposal to buy four squadrons or 48 more Mi17-V5 choppers worth Rs.6,966 crore from Russia.
India received 151 Mi-17V-5 military transport helicopters produced by JSC Kazan Helicopters through Rosoboronexport.
“India is one of the key markets for Russian helicopter industry and the largest operator of Russian-made helicopters in South-East Asia. Today, this country uses more than 400 helicopters, which have proved themselves well,” said Russian Helicopter CEO Alexander Mikheev.
Every Indian Mi-17V-5 helicopter is fitted with a KNEI-8 avionics suite that are easy to read and thus reduce the pilot’s workload.
The avionics suite also helps to cut down pre-flight inspection time by displaying all systems data and alerting the crew whenever necessary.
Besides, the helicopter’s engines are designed in a way to enhance its payload carrying capability at higher altitudes, characteristic of the Indian landscape.