Russian Helicopters To Overhaul Egyptian Mi-8T and Mi-17 Chopper Facility

Russian Helicopters will supply required equipment and training and technical assistance in repairing Mi-8T and Mi-17-1V helicopters with the Egyptian Air Force.

The company will retrofit the existing maintenance and repair facility at the plant in Helwan and offer technical assistance in the repair of the choppers, the company said in a statement last Friday.

"It is a matter of utmost importance to us to boost abroad a favorable image of Russian rotorcraft that have truly proven to meet the highest standards. This is why our priority job is to set up an after-sales service system and to provide top-notch service throughout the life cycle of Russian-made aircraft," said Chief Executive Officer of Russian Helicopters Alexander Mikheev. 

Under current contracts in place with Egypt, the company will authorize the Helwan-based plant as an overhaul facility for Mi-8T (41 machines) and Mi-17-1V (3 machines) helicopters.

Russian Helicopters is supposed to supply equipment for the plant's production lines, to carry out start-up and commissioning work and deliver required documentation. Egyptian personnel will be trained in overhauling Mi-8T, Mi-17-1V and Mi-17V-5 in the aviation training center at the Novosibirsk aircraft repair plant. The holding company will provide two-year design and engineering support to the repair process.

"We are inviting helicopter operators all over the world to take advantage of the service programs available from the company or its certified enterprises avoiding 'grey market' suppliers and contractors, since flight safety and people's lives rely on the quality of components, maintenance service and repair," emphasized Alexander Mikheev.