Wed, Apr 19, 2023
Pair of 480B Helicopters Bound for ZAF Service in Utility, Training Configuration
Enstrom Helicopters announced a funky client for their most recent sale, with 2 of their turbine 480B aircraft bound to the Zambian Air Force.
The company announced the deal in April, but the deal was made back in February to provide both the aircraft and training for ZAF personnel & pilots. The 480Bs will be based out of Zambia, Lusaka, as training and utility aircraft.
As workhorses-to-be, the Enstrom helos will be outfitted with simple, reliable glass panel avionics and a bevy of hard points and cargo hooks. One interesting decision was to outfit one of the 480B’s with a hybrid glass and analogue panel, ostensibly to provide ZAF pilots in training with a flight deck similar to the gauge-equipped Mi-17s used as the mainstay of the fleet.
“We are very excited to be supporting the ZAF missions,” said Enstrom VP of sales Dennis Martin. “The 480B will be a lot more efficient than some of the other light helicopters they were using, but with its performance and quick reconfiguration options, the 480B will provide the capability and flexibility they need.”
Enstrom credits Safomar for their aid in coordinating the deal. The South African company runs a large regional MRO and flight school that serves the entire sub-Saharan region, granting them the needed connections to pair off local operators with affordable American helo manufacturing like Enstrom's.
According to Shai Shalem, Managing Director of Safomar, “We are excited to have Enstrom back and under new management with exciting and excellent helicopter upgrades. It is an honor to have sold two of the first helicopters off the line under the new ownership. These 480B’s are just the right fit for military and Law Enforcement missions.”
More News
How To Get A Story On Aero-TV News/Feature Programming How do I submit a story idea or lead to Aero-TV? If you would like to submit a story idea or lead, please contact Jim Campbel>[...]
Aero Linx: International Association of Professional Gyroplane Training (IAPGT) We are an Association of people who fly, build or regulate Gyroplanes, who have a dream of a single >[...]
NORDO (No Radio) Aircraft that cannot or do not communicate by radio when radio communication is required are referred to as “NORDO.”>[...]
Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) The operation of a UAS beyond the visual capability of the flight crew members (i.e., remote pilot in command [RPIC], the person manipulating th>[...]
Aero Linx: Malibu M-Class Owners and Pilots Association (MMOPA) The Piper M-Class Owners & Pilots Association (PMOPA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the interest>[...]