November 21, 2001

RAJYA SABHA

'33'

REPAIR/OVERHAULING FACILITIES OF AERO-ENGINE FOR HELICOPTERS

    Repair/overhaul facility of helicopter aero-engines is set up where the fleet strength makes it economically viable. The facilities for overhaul of TV3 engines of Mi-17 helicopters inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1985-86 were initially scheduled for completion by 1993-94. However, due to the break up of the erstwhile Soviet Union, negotiations could be completed only between 1996-99 for setting up the facilities.

    Thereafter the facilities have been commissioned and engine overhaul started in January 2001.

    Repair/overhaul facilities for engines of Chetak and Cheetah helicopters were established in the early sixties and these are fully operational.

    This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written reply to Shri Khagen Das in Rajya Sabha today.