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.”

FMI: www.enstromhelicopters.com