19-Sep-2013 Source: Russian Helicopters
Head of Rostec Corporation International Economic Cooperation Department Sergey Goreslavsky communicated the plans to increase the capacity of Russian Helicopters center in South Africa.
Earlier, during MAKS-2013 aviation salon, Rostec and Denel (South Africa) signed a memorandum of understanding, which implies that the center capacities should be increased.
The first level capacities (maintenance) of the helicopter service center in South Africa may be increased in 2013-2014 up to the third level (repairs), told RIA Novosti Head of the State Corporation Rostec International Economic Cooperation Department Sergey Goreslavsky.
‘The Center capacities may be increased up to the third level comprising not only maintenance service but also repairs within one year, providing all procedure obligations are fulfilled,’ said Sergey Goreslavsky.
The facilities of the helicopter center in South Africa are sufficient for such increase. Mr. Goreslavsky emphasized that seven foreign-made helicopter types (not only domestic, but also from other African countries) are already being repaired.
The Head of Rostec International Cooperation Department explained that the first level Russian Helicopters service center is supported by South Africa Government, while its further equipping is carried out with technical assistance from Russia.
The cooperation between Rostec and Denel started in September 2012. Then, at an exhibition in Pretoria, Denel Aviation (a largest South African military hardware manufacturer, a Denel company) signed an agreement with Russian Helicopters (a Rostec company) on the establishment of a regional service center for Russian helicopters in the African region. The center was opened in March 2013 in Johannesburg.
At Le Bourget 2013 international aviation salon Oboronprom and Denel Aviation entered into a contract to expand the possibilities of the service center for maintenance, repair and modernization of the helicopters Mi-8/17 established in South Africa. The parties agreed to greatly expand the functionality of the service center. It will carry out not only comprehensive maintenance, but also complex repair and modernization of Mi-8/17 helicopters for civilian and military purposes.