Twenty-Two Aircraft Delivered For Use By Iraqi Armed Forces

Modifications on 22 Russian Mi-17 Helicopters for use by the Air Force of Iraq have been completed under a 2007 U.S. Army contract, according to contractor ARINC Engineering services. 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 programs was performed in UAE.

“The acquisition, modification and delivery of these Russian helicopters to Iraq and Afghanistan was a groundbreaking program for ARINC Engineering Services, for our Russian teammate, AAL Group LTD, for the United States Government, and for the Russian Federation,” stated David Turansky, ARINC Program Director. “The success of the programs is a testament to the teamwork of the government organizations and companies involved.”

The Iraq program 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 stated.

The U.S. Army contracts were managed by the ARINC Engineering Services Program Office in Warner Robins, GA.

FMI: www.arinc.com