Antonov hands over first upgraded An-32s to India
02 Jun 2011
Ukrainian design bureau and aerospace manufacturer, Antonov, has handed India five upgraded An-32 transports, the first in a 105-aircraft upgrade deal.
The handover to the Indian Air Force took place at Civil Aviation Plant 410 in Kiev, said Antonov.
"The timely implementation of the first phase of this contract was only possible thanks to the efficient and precise work of all participants," said Dmitry Peregudov, general director of Ukrainian arms export agency Ukrspetsexport.
Signed in 2009, the modernisation programme is the largest-ever deal between the country and India, he said.
The upgraded An-32s have updated equipment including air collision avoidance systems, ground proximity warning systems, satellite navigation, distance measuring equipment, upgraded radio altimeters, new radars with multifunctional indicators, new oxygen systems and improved crew seats.
The An-32 is similar to the An-26, but has more powerful turboprop engines mounted higher on the wing. It can operate from airfields up to 14,800ft (4,500m) above sea level as well as in hot conditions.
The upgrade will also involve structural modernisation to extend service life to around 2030.
