Air Force plans to revamp choppers for VVIP and Prime Minister transport | Mail Online
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is awaiting nod from the government for converting some of its latest Mi-17V5 helicopters into VVIP class vehicles to ferry the President and Prime Minister.
After the acquisition of AgustaWestland's AW-101 helicopters was blocked over allegations of corruption, the IAF was looking for options for a secured VVIP flying.
A call will have to be made soon as the ageing Mi-8s, which are being used in the elite communication squadron, are already on life expansion.
One of the options is to use some of the newly acquired Mi-17V5s, the most advanced military helicopters in service, for flying the VVIPs.
A meeting was held with the outgoing PMO functionaries but it remained inconclusive.
The IAF has sought another meeting with security officials to discuss the procedures.
Since the Special Protection Group (SPG), which guards the Prime Minister, is the main stakeholder, their inputs are necessary.
Sources said a number of modifications will have to be made in the helicopter to save a dignitary from any possible attack.
The Mi-17V5s are troop and equipment carriers that can also be used in armed role.
For flying the VVIPs, it will have to undergo changes like adding a new cabin that not only is comfortable for the VVIP but also secure.
Since modifying the helicopter would be an in-house job, it will have its own limitations as any drastic changes will require help of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
Sources said the help from the OEM may be sought if the work is beyond the scope of internal arrangement.
Some of the basic additions planned is strengthening the outer structure with an armoured plating as a protection against bullets.
The cockpit has to be secured with bullet proof glass as the crew could also be the targets.
The medical evacuation apparatus will also be fitted along with sensors and communication devices like jammers.
Even the Mi-8s, which are used currently, do not have modern protection suite like advanced navigation aids and anti-missile system.
The three-engine AW-101 was purchased with specific role of VVIP protection and was tailor made for the job.
The three helicopters were received but they have been mothballed till the resolution of the issue.
Till the time a decision is taken on the dedicated VVIP helicopters, the IAF has to make interim arrangements.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is awaiting nod from the government for converting some of its latest Mi-17V5 helicopters into VVIP class vehicles to ferry the President and Prime Minister.
After the acquisition of AgustaWestland's AW-101 helicopters was blocked over allegations of corruption, the IAF was looking for options for a secured VVIP flying.
A call will have to be made soon as the ageing Mi-8s, which are being used in the elite communication squadron, are already on life expansion.
One of the options is to use some of the newly acquired Mi-17V5s, the most advanced military helicopters in service, for flying the VVIPs.
A meeting was held with the outgoing PMO functionaries but it remained inconclusive.
The IAF has sought another meeting with security officials to discuss the procedures.
Since the Special Protection Group (SPG), which guards the Prime Minister, is the main stakeholder, their inputs are necessary.
Sources said a number of modifications will have to be made in the helicopter to save a dignitary from any possible attack.
The Mi-17V5s are troop and equipment carriers that can also be used in armed role.
For flying the VVIPs, it will have to undergo changes like adding a new cabin that not only is comfortable for the VVIP but also secure.
Since modifying the helicopter would be an in-house job, it will have its own limitations as any drastic changes will require help of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
Sources said the help from the OEM may be sought if the work is beyond the scope of internal arrangement.
Some of the basic additions planned is strengthening the outer structure with an armoured plating as a protection against bullets.
The cockpit has to be secured with bullet proof glass as the crew could also be the targets.
The medical evacuation apparatus will also be fitted along with sensors and communication devices like jammers.
Even the Mi-8s, which are used currently, do not have modern protection suite like advanced navigation aids and anti-missile system.
The three-engine AW-101 was purchased with specific role of VVIP protection and was tailor made for the job.
The three helicopters were received but they have been mothballed till the resolution of the issue.
Till the time a decision is taken on the dedicated VVIP helicopters, the IAF has to make interim arrangements.
