LANGKAWI: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) S61A-4 NURI is back with a new avionics system upgraded by the Airod Sdn. Bhd.
“The old analog NURI system is outdated and it’s the best time to replace it with the new electronic digital system equipped with four panels glass cockpit,” said Chief Executive Officer Airod, Maj Gen Ir. Datuk Ibrahim Bahari RMAF (R) during the handover ceremony S61A-4 NURI at LIMA`17.
“It is true that the old NURI system is not up to date but the plane itself was nice and still can fly for 15 to 20 years, depending on the flying hours.
“This upgrade will add new capabilities to the helicopter and greatly enhance its lifespan,” he said.
Airod is a wholly own subsidiary of National Aerospace & Defence Industries Sdn. Bhd. (NADI) and established in 1976 as the first and only in-country facility to support the RMAF.
But in 1984, Airod was privatized due to Malaysian government’s earliest privatization initiative.
Ibrahim also said, for the first RMAF’s NURI, Airod takes 11 months to complete the new upgrading from design to flight test but for the other 26 helicopters, they will only take 5 months to complete it.
This upgrade done at Airod Subang facility involve transfer of technology from its technical partner Heli-One, Norway.
Meanwhile, the RMAF’s pilot, Major Phang Kok Leong said, the new system for NURI is much better because it is equipped with a sophisticated navigation system.
“We used to have to use a map to find the location but now with this new system, it is much more easier and safer because it is also equipped with weather radar and can fly during day and night in all weather conditions.
“The new avionics system has improved the aircraft Instrument Flight Rule capability, safety features, tactical capabilities, and standardization of aircraft systems across the fleet and deals with obsolescence issues,” he said.
In the meantime, Malaysian Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein also visited the new NURI at Tarmac Centre and witnessed the handover ceremony at LIMA’17, early in the morning today.
-Malaysia World News
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