The Ukrainian concern "Ukroboronprom" was unable to arrange the assembly of American UH-1 Iroqouis helicopters by the stated deadline. Representatives of the concern promised to start assembling helicopters by the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's independence, which came on August 24, [...] Defense Express reports.
During a visit to the Odessa Aviation Plant on February 26, the head of Ukroboronprom, Yuri Gusev, said that the first board of the Ukrainian assembly will be ready by August 24, and by the end of 2021, the licensed assembly of American helicopters can begin.
So far, the Odessa Aviation Plant has not assembled a single helicopter. Moreover, the assembly kits were not even brought to the country, " Defense Express writes. Ukroboronprom explained the delay by the length of licensing procedures related to the import of components into the country.
In the message of "Ukroboronprom" it is said that in the next two months the manufacturer can receive a set of permits and technical specifications from customers. This will allow us to demonstrate the first helicopters before the end of the year. We are talking about a large-node assembly, which is planned to be localized later with the help of Ukrainian-made aggregates.
Earlier it became known that the Bell Textron company, which produces UH-1, did not transfer the license for the production of Iroquois to Ukroboronrom — contrary to the statement . The Ukrainian side has signed an agreement with Southwest Florida Aviation, which is engaged in the restoration of decommissioned UH-1 helicopters. During its existence, the manufacturer has produced only 19 aircraft.
Vlad Massino
