BAE Systems and Kazan Helicopters have signed an agreement to equip new Mi-172 helicopters with a mission system from the UK-based company.
The deal means BAE's battlefield helicopter avionics package - developed for Poland's Mil Mi-24 Hind upgrade competition and aimed at similar programmes involvingMi-8s, Mi-17s and Mi-24s in Latin America - will be integrated into the Mi-172. The Mi-172 already has a Honeywell glass cockpit and autopilot, a package developed and certificated by Canada's Kelowna Flightcraft.
A modular approach adds a 1553-based databus backbone to allow various levels of capability. A fully equipped Mi-172, which includes a multi-sensor electro-optical system, tactical display and mission computer, will be available for up to 30% less than the competing helicopters, says BAE Systems helicopter upgrades programme director Jim Field.
BAE Systems or Kazan will be prime contractor, depending on the customer, while Kelowna will also be a team member.
The battlefield helicopter avionics package was displayed at FIDAE to potential customers Chile, Peru and Venezuela. Chile has an expected requirement for 20 combat utility helicopters, Peru has up to 20 Mi-24s "in need of a radical upgrade", says Field, while Venezuela recently acquired five Mi-24s from Nicaragua and plans to buy five Mi-17s. Other targets include an estimated 80 Mi-8/17s in Cuba, 62 in Peru, 58 in Nicaragua and 10 in Colombia.
A decision on the Polish upgrade has been delayed because of the signing of the Visegrad protocol by the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. A selection of some type, however, is expected by year-end because of the target to have four combat search and rescue machines declared to NATO by the end of next year.
BAE is also proposing a land-based maritime patrol version of the Mi-17 to meet a Mexican requirement. Equipped with a variant of the Blue Kestrel search radar fitted to the AgustaWestland EH101, the development could also be proposed to Colombia and Ecuador.
Source: Flight International
