The Indian air force plans to upgrade its Antonov An-32 transports and says it has received a number of proposals from the Ukrainian manufacturer. The air force, which operates around 100 An-32s from 118 delivered since 1984, plans to divide the work into two phases covering a life extension package and an avionics modernisation programme.
To start from mid-2005, the first phase will extend the aircraft's service life to 25 years, with a provision to extend this by a further five or 10 years. Work will also centre on increasing the AI-20DM engine's time between overhauls from less than 2,000h to 4,000h, and total powerplant life to 20,000h. Other improvements sought by the air force include reduced noise levels in the cockpit and an increased payload and range capability. Antonov has proposed increasing the aircraft's range from 920-1,400km (500-760nm) with a 6,700kg (14,800lb) load by integrating additional fuel tanks and increasing the type's maximum take-off weight from 27,000-28,500kg. The avionics modernisation package will use systems from either Aviapribor, Elbit Systems, Israel Aircraft Industries or Rockwell Collins.
VLADIMIR KARNOZOV / BANGALORE
Source: Flight International
