Antonov is proposing a series of potential upgrades for the Indian Air Force's (IAF) fleet of more than 100 An-32 transport aircraft. The Ukrainian company plans to offer the upgrade with Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL).
"So far we have only discussed the opportunities, but now we hope to start negotiations with HAL and the Indian Air Force concerning this project," says Antonov project manager marketing Sergey Kirzyk.
He says the modernisation proposals will include: an extension in the service life of the aircraft's Motor Sich AI-20D engines or their replacement with Rolls-Royce AE2100D turboprops with Dowty propellors; an increase in maximum take-off weight from the current 27t to 28.5t; the installation of a two-crew flight deck in place of the existing three-crew arrangement; and the modification of some IAF aircraft to enable them to be operated as maritime patrol aircraft.
The twin-engined, multi-purpose transport aircraft is produced by Aviant in Kiev, Ukraine, and the latest An-32B-200 variant is still offered for sale alongside the An-32P firefighting version.
Aerostar hopes to pitch its RSK MiG-29 Sniper upgrade package to the IAF, possibly with HAL, says programme manager Adrian Dumitrescu. The upgrade, developed by the Romanian company, EADS and Israel's Elbit, is being flight tested on a Romanian air force MiG-29.Source: Flight International