Konotop-based state enterprise Aviakon aircraft repair plant (Sumy region) plans in the near future jointly with French-based Sagem to start the modernization of a Mi-24 helicopter of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the plant has told Interfax-Ukraine.
The Mi-24PU1 helicopter put into service in May 2012 after the first stage of modernization with the participation of the Ukrainian defense and industrial complex has passed summer test flights and is ready for the installation of Sagem equipment.
The Ukrainian side will equip the helicopter with domestic digital sights, equipment for night use, a laser target designation system, new engines, a VHF radio unit, and a system for protection against missiles with IR guidance. The French company will install an on-board computer, multifunction displays, an optoelectronic station, an inertial-satellite navigation system, and a digital map generator.
The French equipment will be installed on the first prototype of the modernized helicopter for ground tests with the involvement of specialists from Sagem.
"The installation of modern equipment brings the upgraded Mi-24 helicopters up to NATO standards: certain units of French equipment have been successfully installed on Western models, particularly Cougar and NH90 helicopters," said the company.
The modernized Mi-24 is to be demonstrated at the 8th AVIASVIT-XXI International Aerospace Show, which opens at Kyiv-Antonov airport (Kyiv region) on September 27.
