Afghan choppers fire 60 rockets in training
The Afghan Air Force performed its first Mi-17 helicopter live-fire exercise at Kabul Military Training Center (KMTC) on August 1, 2010.
This was the first validation of the training syllabus from manuals for the Russian-made Mi-17. Two helicopters performed live firing at the KMTC range, one Mi-17 and one Mi-35. Combined, the two helicopters fired 60 rockets.
The Mi-17 is a cargo/troop transport helicopter for the Afghan Air Force and was chosen for its ability to climb above mountainous terrain. It flies Presidential and distinguished visitor transportation, medical and casualty evacuation (MEDEVAC/CASEVAC), battlefield mobility, basic cargo airlift, reconnaissance, rotary-wing training, close air support (CAS), air assault and sling load air lift capability.
The AAF currently has 27 Mi-17 and six Mi-35 helicopters. Mi-17 capability is important because the Mi-35 helicopter will be phased out and the Mi-17 will pick up show of force missions, armed reconnaissance and patrols.
The Mi-17 is the work horse of the AAF. It can carry 24 passengers or 8,800 pounds of cargo and can operate at altitudes up to 16,000 feet. The AAF has used them most recently in the rescue of 2,100 people from flooding in Kunar and Laghman provinces.
By MC1(AW) Elizabeth Burke, USN - NATO Training Mission - Afghanistan
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine]()
Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine
Germany has committed to sending Ukraine six of its 21 retiring WS-61 Westland Sea King multirole, amphibious helicopters.
-
![Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook]()
Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook
Boeing has clinched a major contract modification to further its backing of the US Special Operations Command’s MH-47G Chinook aircraft modernisation effort.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut]()
Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut
Two KAI helicopters, the KUH-1E utility helicopter and the Light Attack Helicopter (LAH), have taken centre stage at the Dubai Airshow 2023.
-
![Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter]()
Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter
The Italian Navy now boasts a fleet of 56 NH90 helicopters comprising 46 SH-90As and 10 MH-90As.
-
![Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters]()
Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters
The Argentinian Air Force (FAA) and the Argentinian Naval Aviation Command (COAN) are looking for options to upgrade their helicopter fleets.
-
![DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest]()
DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest
Lockheed Martin promises a boost to the British job market and export opportunities, while strengthening ties with Poland and positioning the UK for a future in rotorcraft technology in the event of a New Medium Helicopter competition triumph.
