ROSTOV-ON-DON/MOSCOW. March 11 (Interafx-AVN) - The first two MI-24 Hind transportation combat helicopters of the Russian army aviation are to be upgraded at the Rostvertol production enterprise, a spokesman for the Rostvertol management told Interfax-Military News Agency on Monday.
A high-ranking official of the Russian helicopter-building industry told Interfax-AVN in Moscow that in the wake of the overhaul the helicopters are to be upgraded into MI-24PN Hind aircraft, P standing for Cannon, N for Night. The first helicopter fitted with night-vision equipment is to be tested in the end of March. The second MI-24 Hind helicopter is being repaired, its overhaul drawing to an end. The project has been provided for by the state defense order for 2002.
The official added that some 70 % or 75 % of the total volume of the state joint tests had already been completed. The results of the tests have enabled the customer to sign a preliminary decree on fielding the modernized aircraft and production of an initial batch of the helicopters at the Rostvertol plant.
The final decision on upgrading the army aviation fleet of MI-24 Hind helicopters to the Mi-24Pn standard is to be made in the wake of the production of the initial batch; the number of the helicopters is yet to be determined. After that the aircraft are to be field-tested. Adjustment of the MI-24PN cockpit for employment of Skosok night goggles has been carried out by the Azov-based automechanical plant, the official stressed.
More than 620 items of the MI-24 P helicopters have been produced in Russia; the Rostvertol plant is the principal contractor of the project. The company receives aircraft from army units and components from affiliate enterprises; the plant also carries out flight tests and commissions the helicopter, bearing the final responsibility for the job.