Neil
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Chandigarh, December 21
The Indian Air Force's Mi-17 helicopters are being retrofitted with indigenous composite armour and anti-missile systems to enhance their protection envelope and improve their operational capability.
The missile protection gear, also called counter measure dispensing system (CMDS), has been developed by state-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited and has undergone flight trials. These systems work by dispensing flares or metallic chaff to deflect or "confuse" the heat-seeking sensors or radar receivers of incoming hostile missiles. Composite armour, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will replace the existing imported heavy-steel armour, thereby improving their net payload capacity in high altitude areas like Ladakh.
One set of prototype armour panels has undergone successful integration and flight trials on a Mi-17 1-V version at No.3 Base Repair Depot (BRD) here and the airworthiness certification process is underway. The modification and retrofitting of the Mi-17 fleet with the CMDS and composite armour will be undertaken at 3 BRD here, which is the nodal agency for providing technical support for Soviet-origin helicopters.
The modification of Mi-17s with defensive measures is significant because of their tactical operational role that includes offensive close-air support by mounting rocket pods and machine guns, carrying out special missions, airborne assaults, supporting the Special Forces and undertaking logistic support in forward areas.
The IAF had lost a Mi-17 along with its crew while undertaking armed missions in high altitude areas during the 1999 Kargil conflict. Earlier this year, in the first incident of its kind, an IAF Mi-17 crash landed in Chhattisgarh after it was hit by ground fire from naxalites. A police radio operator on board was injured by fire. The IAF began inducting the Mi-17 in 1986, when a total of 53 such helicopters were ordered from Russia.
The significance
Mi-17s help in tactical operational roles such as offensive close-air support by mounting rocket pods and machine guns, carrying out special missions, airborne assaults. They support Special Forces and undertake logistic support in forward areas
Will replace the existing imported heavy-steel armour, thereby improving their net payload capacity in high altitude areas like Ladakh
The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Nation
The Indian Air Force's Mi-17 helicopters are being retrofitted with indigenous composite armour and anti-missile systems to enhance their protection envelope and improve their operational capability.
The missile protection gear, also called counter measure dispensing system (CMDS), has been developed by state-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited and has undergone flight trials. These systems work by dispensing flares or metallic chaff to deflect or "confuse" the heat-seeking sensors or radar receivers of incoming hostile missiles. Composite armour, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will replace the existing imported heavy-steel armour, thereby improving their net payload capacity in high altitude areas like Ladakh.
One set of prototype armour panels has undergone successful integration and flight trials on a Mi-17 1-V version at No.3 Base Repair Depot (BRD) here and the airworthiness certification process is underway. The modification and retrofitting of the Mi-17 fleet with the CMDS and composite armour will be undertaken at 3 BRD here, which is the nodal agency for providing technical support for Soviet-origin helicopters.
The modification of Mi-17s with defensive measures is significant because of their tactical operational role that includes offensive close-air support by mounting rocket pods and machine guns, carrying out special missions, airborne assaults, supporting the Special Forces and undertaking logistic support in forward areas.
The IAF had lost a Mi-17 along with its crew while undertaking armed missions in high altitude areas during the 1999 Kargil conflict. Earlier this year, in the first incident of its kind, an IAF Mi-17 crash landed in Chhattisgarh after it was hit by ground fire from naxalites. A police radio operator on board was injured by fire. The IAF began inducting the Mi-17 in 1986, when a total of 53 such helicopters were ordered from Russia.
The significance
Mi-17s help in tactical operational roles such as offensive close-air support by mounting rocket pods and machine guns, carrying out special missions, airborne assaults. They support Special Forces and undertake logistic support in forward areas
Will replace the existing imported heavy-steel armour, thereby improving their net payload capacity in high altitude areas like Ladakh
The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Nation
