Bangladesh Air Force

[Bilal9]

Bangladesh Air Force has established Mi-17 Helicopter Overhauling plant. Russia provided technical assistance to establish the plant. Bangladesh signed a $1.5 Billion arms deal with Russia which included a overhauling plant for Mi-17s. Bangladesh currently operates 22+ Mi-17 transport helicopter and 3 Mi-171sh Armed Helicopter with 5 more on order.

 

[Arthur]

Bangladesh Air Force has established Mi-17 Helicopter Overhauling plant. Russia provided technical assistance to establish the plant. Bangladesh signed a $1.5 Billion arms deal with Russia which included a overhauling plant for Mi-17s. Bangladesh currently operates 22+ Mi-17 transport helicopter and 3 Mi-171sh Armed Helicopter with 5 more on order.

 

[british_bengali]

​LIMA: Boeing, MD Helicopters spar for light attack requirement - 3/17/2015 - Flight Global

Malaysia could be edging closer to the acquisition of a light attack helicopter, with MD Helicopterspromoting the MD 530G and Boeing the AH-6i for the role.

At its LIMA debut, MD Helicopters made a major push. The Arizona-based company brought a single MD 530G, which performed during the show’s aerial display and also took Malaysian defence officials on test flights, while the company also had a large chalet at the show.

The exact number of aircraft Kuala Lumpur needs, and whether or not there is sufficient budget for the acquisition, is not clear. Malaysia is looking at a number of options, from eight aircraft up to 24.

Moreover, a number of other countries in the region are apparently interested in light attack helicopters, including the Philippines and Bangladesh.

Possible acquisition??

 

[Bilal9]

LIMA: Boeing, MD Helicopters spar for light attack requirement - 3/17/2015 - Flight Global

Malaysia could be edging closer to the acquisition of a light attack helicopter, with MD Helicopterspromoting the MD 530G and Boeing the AH-6i for the role.

At its LIMA debut, MD Helicopters made a major push. The Arizona-based company brought a single MD 530G, which performed during the show’s aerial display and also took Malaysian defence officials on test flights, while the company also had a large chalet at the show.

The exact number of aircraft Kuala Lumpur needs, and whether or not there is sufficient budget for the acquisition, is not clear. Malaysia is looking at a number of options, from eight aircraft up to 24.

Moreover, a number of other countries in the region are apparently interested in light attack helicopters, including the Philippines and Bangladesh.

Possible acquisition??

I can only see derivatives of Mi-17 such as Mi-35, the follow on to the famous 'HIND', because they already have the Mi-17 overhaul plant (see above). These all use the same turbines and powertrain more or less. Plus unlike other attack helicopters Mi-35 can carry eight fully equipped troops and a formidable payload of bombs and missiles. Simple, easy to maintain and tough. Ideal for Bangladesh-related COIN and close air support.

Mil Mi-35M

Image copyright Military-Today

The famous Mi-24 (NATO designation Hind) saw action in many hotspots, local wars, armed conflicts and special operations all around the world. Despite its age the Mi-24 remains in service with at least 50 air arms.

The Mi-24 made its name for being easy and cheap to maintain. This helicopter also proved to be reliable. However refurbishment, upgrades and modernization is necessary in order to keep these ageing gunships operational. Especially its electronics needs to be improved to meet modern demands and competitiveness in modern warfare.

Upgraded Mi-35M (NATO Designation Hind-E) was first revealed in 1999. It is an export version of the Mi-24VM. This helicopter is intended only for export. The Mil Helicopter Plant introduced a more modern Mi-28 back in 1990s. However many countries, including Russia, can not replace their ageing fleet of Mi-24 attack helicopters due to funding problems. So refurbishment and production of helicopters such as the Mi-35M continues.

Production of the Mi-35M commenced in 2005. This attack helicopter and it's derivatives are in service with Azerbaijan (24), Brazil (12), Venezuela (8) and possibly some other countries.

The main role of this helicopter is destruction of armored vehicles, enemy troops, UAVs and other helicopters. It's secondary role is delivery of troops and special cargo, evacuation of wounded. It can operate at night and in adverse weather conditions.

The Mi-35M has a number of improvements. It differs from the basic model by main rotor system of the Mi-28 and X-shape tail rotor. Main rotor's fiberglass blades have new aerodynamic profile. These are lighter but stronger due to titanium details. Helicopter also has upgraded turboshaft engines. Flight performance such as altitude and maneuverability improved due to these changes. Stub wings were shortened in order to reduce weight. Wings have a number of hardpoints for weapons and other uses.

Electronic core of the helicopter underwent fundamental modifications. A whole spectrum of new electronic systems were adopted in the cockpit. The Mi-35M is fitted with upgraded avionics and improved sensor package, including night vision system. Helicopter is also fitted with electro-optical rangefinder/targeting system with thermal imaging guidance channel, satellite positioning and navigation system, electronic multifunction displays, onboard computer and new generation jam-proof communications equipment.

This attack helicopter can carry different weapons, including podded guns, 8 Ataka-V or Shturm-V ant-tank missiles and Igla air-to-air missiles, unguided rockets or bombs. Armament depends on customer requirements. A nose turret carries a GSh-231 23-mm two-barrel cannon. The cockpit and vital components of this helicopter are significantly armored.

The Mi-35M has a payload capacity of a whooping 2 400 kg. It can carry a full infantry squad of 8 fully-equipped troops. This feature makes this helicopter unique comparing with Western attack helicopters. A large-caliber machine gun, as well as general purpose machine guns can be installed in the cargo cabin.

Landing gear of the Mi-35M is no longer retractable. This reduced overall weight of the helicopter. Also in case of the crash the landing gear absorbs some of the energy.

It is worth mentioning that other countries also offer their refurbished and upgraded versions of the Mi-24 Hind with modern avionics, weapons, engines and night operation capability. South African company Advanced Technologies and Engineering (ATE) proposes its Superhind upgrade programme. It is estimated that 1 500 Hinds remain in service so market for upgrades remain substantial.

 

[Zabaniyah]

LIMA: Boeing, MD Helicopters spar for light attack requirement - 3/17/2015 - Flight Global

Malaysia could be edging closer to the acquisition of a light attack helicopter, with MD Helicopterspromoting the MD 530G and Boeing the AH-6i for the role.

At its LIMA debut, MD Helicopters made a major push. The Arizona-based company brought a single MD 530G, which performed during the show’s aerial display and also took Malaysian defence officials on test flights, while the company also had a large chalet at the show.

The exact number of aircraft Kuala Lumpur needs, and whether or not there is sufficient budget for the acquisition, is not clear. Malaysia is looking at a number of options, from eight aircraft up to 24.

Moreover, a number of other countries in the region are apparently interested in light attack helicopters, including the Philippines and Bangladesh.

Possible acquisition??

An American chopper? No thanks.

 

[Bilal9]

An American chopper? No thanks.

Exactamundo

Comes with lots and lots of strings (which can be pulled at their whim).

However - funny thing is that the US Army itself has been buying Mi-17 variants by the boatload and supplying them to Afghanistan, Pakistan and other allies. The Thais have also bought the platform quoting that three Mi-17's equal the cost of one Blackhawk. Attack helicopters would be way more expensive.

Anything based on the original Mi-8 (Mi-17, 24, 35) is as reliable as an anvil.

 

[Zabaniyah]

Exactamundo

Comes with lots and lots of strings (which can be pulled at their whim).

However - funny thing is that the US Army itself has been buying Mi-17 variants by the boatload and supplying them to Afghanistan, Pakistan and other allies. The Thais have also bought the platform quoting that three Mi-17's equal the cost of one Blackhawk. Attack helicopters would be way more expensive.

Anything based on the original Mi-8 (Mi-17, 24, 35) is as reliable as an anvil.

I said that even though I personally prefer American equipment. A Blackhawk or an AH-64 is still technically superior than any Mi-8 platform.

The politics behind American-made weapons is like that of a circus. They even tried to make the M-16 standard issue for the ANA. I mean, what a waste!
BBC NEWS | South Asia | Afghan army to 'treble in size'
Afghanistan Army: Troops Complain Of Poor Equipment And Disrespect

The countries under heavy influence of the US are to some extent forced to buy American weapons (with strings attached).

For the US to be a reliable supplier, it requires plenty of lobbying and that takes additional money. Normally, third-world countries cannot afford that kind of exposure. And that is not to mention the cost of American equipment.

 

[Arthur]

Exactamundo

Comes with lots and lots of strings (which can be pulled at their whim).

However - funny thing is that the US Army itself has been buying Mi-17 variants by the boatload and supplying them to Afghanistan, Pakistan and other allies. The Thais have also bought the platform quoting that three Mi-17's equal the cost of one Blackhawk. Attack helicopters would be way more expensive.

Anything based on the original Mi-8 (Mi-17, 24, 35) is as reliable as an anvil.

I said that even though I personally prefer American equipment. A Blackhawk or an AH-64 is still technically superior than any Mi-8 platform.

The politics behind American-made weapons is like that of a circus. They even tried to make the M-16 standard issue for the ANA. I mean, what a waste!
BBC NEWS | South Asia | Afghan army to 'treble in size'
Afghanistan Army: Troops Complain Of Poor Equipment And Disrespect

The countries under heavy influence of the US are to some extent forced to buy American weapons (with strings attached).

For the US to be a reliable supplier, it requires plenty of lobbying and that takes additional money. Normally, third-world countries cannot afford that kind of exposure. And that is not to mention the cost of American equipment.

Nothing is better than an old AK-47 for this part of world,I will agree with you guys wholeheartedly!!

 

[Zabaniyah]

Nothing is better than an old AK-47 for this part of world,I will agree with you guys wholeheartedly!!

Well, how old is old?

Robustness aside, there's the AK-12, AN-94, AEK-971, etc.

Just saying, it doesn't hurt to go for something newer and something that is superior.

 

[Arthur]

Well, how old is old?

Robustness aside, there's the AK-12, AN-94, AEK-971, etc.

Just saying, it doesn't hurt to go for something newer and something that is superior.

Indeed!!!

 

[bigbossman]

Bangladesh Air Force Basic Trainer PT-6 Video

 

[Bilal9]

What happened to the Hongdu L-7 (Yak-152) basic trainer replacement we were supposed to get?

Apparently PT-6's (C-J6's) are in very high demand in the US and EU civilian markets as warbirds and we could sell these off and get the L-7's which are a magnitude better in terms of handling if not ease of repair.

 

[BDforever]

Bangladesh Air force has gotten delivered of 2 new Mi171sh helicopter recently, it makes 11 Mi171sh fleet. 3 more on order. total number of Mil Mi17 series helicopters of BAF is now 30 units

 

[bongbang]

Bangladesh Air force has gotten delivered of 2 new Mi171sh helicopter recently, it makes 11 Mi171sh fleet. 3 more on order. total number of Mil Mi17 series helicopters of BAF is now 30 units

We need Antonov AH-124-100 too

 

[Arthur]

BAF C130 Hercules Takes off to join humanitarian efforts in Nepal:

BAF C130 in Trivubhan International Airport:

Bangladesh Under-14 Girls Football team and stranded citizens boards BAF C130 for Bangladesh: