The State Enterprise SE “Konotop Aircraft Repair Plant “Aviakon”, which is a part of Ukroboronprom, Ukraine’s largest state-run defense contractor, handed over a repaired and modernized Mi-8MT helicopter to the Ukrainian Air Force (Povitryani Syly Ukrayiny). The specialists of the “Aviakon” plant installed home-produced active and passive missile defense systems with infrared homing warheads and armored plates. The helicopter may be promptly refitted with modern imported meteorological locator in order to perform flight operations in amid poor weather conditions.
The propeller was also equipped with two sets of satellite navigation system, radar transponder, emergency beacon, solid-state emergency operational recorder of flight information with the ability to record the conversations of crew members. This allows exercising flights in accordance with the requirements of ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization). In addition, the car now has a modern radio altimeter, a highly reliable shortwave radio, a two-stream landing system through the cargo sash and an aircraft searchlight.
The Mil Mi-8 (NATO reporting name: Hip) is a medium twin-turbine helicopter, originally designed by the Soviet Union, and now produced by Russia. In addition to its most common role as a transport helicopter, the Mi-8 is also used as an airborne command post, armed gunship, and reconnaissance platform. Mi-8 is a military staff transport version, fitted with improved radio equipment R-832 and R-111. The Ukrainian Armed Forces used Mi-8 along with Mi-24s in operations against rebels in Eastern Ukraine during the 2014 pro-Russian conflict in Ukraine.
“Aviakon” is the only enterprise in Ukraine that possess the technology of full cycle overhaul of helicopters designed by Mil Helicopter Plant and works on re-equipment and modernization. Since 2011 the enterprise is a member of the State Concern “Ukroboronprom”. SE “Konotop Aircraft Repair Plant” Aviakon “specializes in overhaul, re-equipment and modernization of Mi-2, Mi-8, Mi-17, Mi-24, Mi-35 and Mi-26 helicopters of all modifications, is also eligible to performing serial repair and modernization works of Mi-14 helicopters.
