ARINC completes modification of helicopters for Iraq

The final two aircraft were handed over to Iraqi representatives in Taji, Iraq on June 15, six weeks ahead of schedule. Last year, ARINC Engineering Services completed a similar upgrade of 10 Mi-17 Helicopters for the Air Force of Afghanistan. Most of the modification work on both programmes was performed in UAE.

“The acquisition, modification and delivery of these Russian helicopters to Iraq and Afghanistan was a groundbreaking programme for ARINC Engineering Services, for our Russian teammate, AAL Group LTD, for the United States Government, and for the Russian Federation,” said David Turansky, ARINC programme director. “The success of the programmes is a testament to the teamwork of the government organisations and companies involved.”

The Iraq programme was originally scheduled to complete final aircraft deliveries by July 25, 2011; however ARINC was able to deliver the aircraft ahead of schedule. “With the help of our subcontractor, AAL Group LTD, we were able to move the delivery up to June 15, 2011,” Turansky said.