The Argentinian air force is close to a decision on modernising its eight surviving Bell UH-1H helicopters, as well as purchasing a further two Bell 212s to bolster its rotary-wing element. The service is meanwhile looking at re-engining some of its FMA IA-58 Pucará light strike aircraft.
The air force’s plan to upgrade its UH-1s to full Huey II standard would follow similar work being performed on 20 Argentinian army helicopters, the first of which was delivered in August after undergoing airframe modification at Campo de Mayo, Buenos Aires.
Following the signing late last year of a modification contract with Bell Helicopter Textron, the US manufacturer provided the Argentinian army with new airframe assemblies, dynamic components and T53-703 engines to carry out the modification work, which was performed in 100 days as opposed to the expected 150 days.
Experiencing difficulties in obtaining critical spare parts for the out-of-production Turbomeca Astazou XVIG engine that powers the Pucará, current air force studies envisage the purchase of Honeywell TPE331-12 powerplants to re-engine 24 of these aircraft.
The work would extend the Pucará’s service life well into the next decade, with the replaced Astazou engines serving as a spares source for the remaining air force IA-58s.
Source: Flight International
