Indian Mi-17 1V Helicopters To Undergo Major Overhaul In Russia

India’s Mi-17 helicopters will be flown to Russia for a major overhaul, which were grounded four years ago for running on outdated parts.

Built by Kazan Helicopters, Mi-17 1V choppers are used primarily for disaster rescue operations and transportation of troops to remote areas.

A major overhaul will not only include repairs or change of engine, but also avionics and hydraulics, Tribune India reports Monday.

Four of Border Security Force Air Wing’s six Mi-17 1Vs were grounded in 2012. The fifth gave away in January last year and the last one was grounded last month. At present, all require a complete overhaul.

The Indian Air Force also has four squadrons of Mi-17 1Vs, each having 12 helicopters. Most are grounded as they have reached the overhaul stage.

At present, the IAF expects it to strike a deal with the manufacturing firm to open overhauling facility in India.

Other than the four squadrons of IAF’s Mi-17 1Vs, the remaining have been converted to Mi-17 V5. “The Mi-17 1Vs cannot always be sent to Russia. Because it is not practical to establish a servicing facility in India for the 1V, it will be eventually be phased out,” said an official, adding that a base repair depot for overhauling the Mi-17 V5 will be established in Kanpur.