Acceptance testing completed on Iraqi helicopters (Baghdad)
Multi-National Force-Iraq
Saturday, 27 June 2009
Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No. 090627-01
June 27, 2009
Contact: pao@iraq.centcom.mil
DSN: 318-852-8742
Acceptance testing completed on Iraqi helicopters
BAGHDAD – Two Mi-17 helicopters returned June 14 from Amman, Jordan after undergoing aircraft modifications and upgrades to Mi-17/171 multi-role helicopters for use by the Iraqi Air Force.
The Iraqi Air Force accomplished the helicopter upgrades by establishing a team which represented members from Jordan, Germany, U.S. and Iraq. The helicopter upgrades were necessary to enhance the multi-role capabilities of the Iraqi Air Force and to support the mission of counter terrorism. The upgrades improved the on-board Missile Launch Detection System and Flare Dispenser, and the Internal Communications System.
The acceptance testing team consisted of members from Headquarters Iraqi Air Force Baghdad, Iraqi Air Force Squadron 15 and the Coalition’s 721st Air Expeditionary Advisor Squadron from Taji, and the Iraq Training and Advisory Mission-Air Force from Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col Douglas Goodlin, director of Operations. 721st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron said he was impressed with the multi-national effort involved in getting the Iraqi Air Force the much-needed Missile Warning System for Mi-17 helicopters.
“It was an impressive effort to get these aircrafts tested and flown back to Iraq in good order,” Goodlin added. “You had U.S. pilots and crewmembers, Iraqi pilots and crewmembers, U.S. and Iraqi maintenance personnel, U.S. and Iraqi headquarters contracting personnel, ARINC American contractors, Jordanian contractors and workers and the personnel at Marka International Airport.”
Iraqi Air Force Lt. Col. Jasem Mohammed, 15th Sq. Instructor Pilot said, “The new ICS system will improve greatly coordination inside the aircraft between pilots and the rest of the crew, while the improved flare system will protect the aircraft against enemy threats."
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christopher Saffel, 721st Air Expeditionary Ammo Advisor added, “The new AAR-60 Missile Warning Countermeasure System loaded with M206 IR aerial flares is head and shoulders above previous Mi-17 Countermeasure Systems. The automatic setting reduces need for visual confirmation of threats and allows for immediate countermeasure deployment to defeat detected threat.”
Prior to flying the helicopters to Jordan, MNSTC-I, ITAM-AF conducted a 10-day course for 16 Iraqi operators and maintainers in Amman, Jordan. These efforts provided specialized training on the operation, setup and troubleshooting of the necessary systems. It will take approximately 12 months to complete the $14 million upgrade costs for the 10 aircraft.
In fulfillment of the U.S.-Iraq Security agreement, MNSTC-I, ITAM-AF will continue to train and advise the Iraqi Air Force to develop a capable-and-responsive force, properly organized, trained and equipped to sustain the growing responsibilities of the air force.
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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS RELEASE, CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL SECURITY TRANSITION COMMAND – IRAQ PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE BY E-MAIL AT PAO@IRAQ.CENTCOM.MIL OR BY PHONE AT DSN: (318) 852-1332 OR IRAQNA: 0790-194-0270. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION VISIT: WWW.IRAQ.CENTCOM.MIL
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