<p>The Indian Air Force is all set to induct a new generation of helicopters that can be used for launching special operations in the night besides enhancing IAF’s night-fighting capability.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The internal cabin volume is “sufficient for transporting fully equipped infantry soldiers for specialised operations,” said an IndianAir Force spokesperson.<br /><br /> Fully equipped commandos can be dropped for special operations, he indicated.<br /><br />The gunship has substantial and effective firepower with the latest and more powerful engines that greatly enhance its payload carriage capability at higher altitudes.<br /><br />Defence Minister A K Antony will induct the new generation Mi-17 V5 helicopters at a function here on Friday. India purchased 80 helicopters from Russia at a cost of $1.34 billion and a follow on order worth $1 billion for 59 such choppers is in the offing. The Union Home Ministry, too, wants to buy six such helicopters for its anti-naxal operations.<br /><br />An upgrade of the Mi-17 in the medium-lift category, Mi-17 V5 has glass cockpit and is equipped with the state-of-the-art avionics and on-board navigation systems.<br />The Russian manufacturer has so far supplied 21 such helicopters and six more are expected by March-end. The follow on order will be inked only after the delivery of the first-lot. <br /><br />The helicopter can undertake all-weather, day and night operations in any kind of terrain. Since the helicopter is fitted with a Bambi-Bucket, it can be also used for fire fighting. It also has a powerful winch — a feature useful in disaster relief operations in restricted areas where landing is not possible.<br /><br />The entire airframe has a high degree of ballistics tolerance and is crash-resistant. <br />The helicopter comes equipped with an emergency flotation system and would be useful in undertaking complicated rescue missions.<br /><br />Mi-17 V5 would enhance the IAF capabilities in undertaking varied roles to face the challenges thrown in by unforgiving weather, hostile environment and difficult terrain in India, said the Air Force spokesperson.<br /></p>
<p>The Indian Air Force is all set to induct a new generation of helicopters that can be used for launching special operations in the night besides enhancing IAF’s night-fighting capability.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The internal cabin volume is “sufficient for transporting fully equipped infantry soldiers for specialised operations,” said an IndianAir Force spokesperson.<br /><br /> Fully equipped commandos can be dropped for special operations, he indicated.<br /><br />The gunship has substantial and effective firepower with the latest and more powerful engines that greatly enhance its payload carriage capability at higher altitudes.<br /><br />Defence Minister A K Antony will induct the new generation Mi-17 V5 helicopters at a function here on Friday. India purchased 80 helicopters from Russia at a cost of $1.34 billion and a follow on order worth $1 billion for 59 such choppers is in the offing. The Union Home Ministry, too, wants to buy six such helicopters for its anti-naxal operations.<br /><br />An upgrade of the Mi-17 in the medium-lift category, Mi-17 V5 has glass cockpit and is equipped with the state-of-the-art avionics and on-board navigation systems.<br />The Russian manufacturer has so far supplied 21 such helicopters and six more are expected by March-end. The follow on order will be inked only after the delivery of the first-lot. <br /><br />The helicopter can undertake all-weather, day and night operations in any kind of terrain. Since the helicopter is fitted with a Bambi-Bucket, it can be also used for fire fighting. It also has a powerful winch — a feature useful in disaster relief operations in restricted areas where landing is not possible.<br /><br />The entire airframe has a high degree of ballistics tolerance and is crash-resistant. <br />The helicopter comes equipped with an emergency flotation system and would be useful in undertaking complicated rescue missions.<br /><br />Mi-17 V5 would enhance the IAF capabilities in undertaking varied roles to face the challenges thrown in by unforgiving weather, hostile environment and difficult terrain in India, said the Air Force spokesperson.<br /></p>
