Presidential helicopter to be refurbished
May 26, 2004
STATE House has unveiled plans to modernise the President’s military helicopter by increasing its seating capacity and flying range.
STATE House has unveiled plans to modernise the President’s military helicopter by increasing its seating capacity and flying range, reports Yunusu Abbey.
Lt. Col. Samuel Turyagyenda, the presidential helicopter chief pilot, on Tuesday said, “We want to increase its flying range from the current three to five hours to enable it fly for longer hours before refuelling. This will entail increasing the fuel storage capacity to enable the helicopter fly longer distances.â€
The jet was bought brand new in 1998 and factory-ordered.
The estimated cost of the planned overhaul is not yet known. Sources said it could cost over $1m (sh2b).
Turyagyenda denied claims that President Yoweri Museveni’s (right) seven-year-old Mi-172 chopper could have been bought as a second-hand or re-conditioned product.
Turyagyenda said after flying for 1,500 hours or seven years, the chopper is meant to go for an overhaul.
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Lt. Col. Samuel Turyagyenda, the presidential helicopter chief pilot, on Tuesday said, “We want to increase its flying range from the current three to five hours to enable it fly for longer hours before refuelling. This will entail increasing the fuel storage capacity to enable the helicopter fly longer distances.â€
The jet was bought brand new in 1998 and factory-ordered.
The estimated cost of the planned overhaul is not yet known. Sources said it could cost over $1m (sh2b).
Turyagyenda denied claims that President Yoweri Museveni’s (right) seven-year-old Mi-172 chopper could have been bought as a second-hand or re-conditioned product.
Turyagyenda said after flying for 1,500 hours or seven years, the chopper is meant to go for an overhaul.
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