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
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