Four partner nations will provide equal funding, with updates to be carried out locally
The planned upgrade of the four Visegrad nations' Mil Mi-24 Hind attack helicopters is moving forward after the resolution of funding and work allocation issues.
The Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia plan to modernise around 100 Mi-24s, but the programme has been embroiled in debate. Russia and Poland settled a previous disagreement by signing a licensing deal for the work late last year (Flight International, 24-30 September 2002).
The prototype will be built at WZL-1 in Lodz, Poland, and with all four countries funding its build on an equal basis. The maiden flight is planned for the second half of next year, with programme completion due in early 2005.
The Czech Republic's requirement is most urgent, with its Hind fleet due to be grounded in 2005 because of airframe life limitations.
Individual machines will be upgraded locally at LOM in Malesice, Czech Republic, and LOT in Trencin, Slovakia. The Hungarian situation is less clear, with two options using either local company Danubian or WZL-1.
Poland is seeking 36 upgraded helicopters, although this could be decreased to 28, the Czech Republic requires 24,Slovakia 10 or 12 and Hungary the remainder.
Other countries are also showing interest in the programme, particularly Bulgaria, although economic problems could prevent a rapid decision to join. Croatia and Ukraine are also considered potential participants.
Poland requires another four machines to be upgraded, which will receive additional equipment for the combat search and rescue role. This will be separate, with Poland covering all the costs.
Poland will also have an independent programme for the installation and integration of new weapons on its Hinds. Several options are under consideration. The most preferable option would be Rafael Spike-LR and Spike-ER missiles already selected by the Polish armed forces. However, Russia is pushing the Kolomna 9M120 Ataka while Israel Aircraft Industries' MBT division is offering the long-range Nimrod.
Source: Flight International
