(a) whether repair/over haul facilities of aero-engines for helicopter engineers are not available despite an expenditure of Rs. 47.57 crore, till March 2000;
(b) whether this facility was scheduled for completion by 1992 as the helicopters were introduced in 1985/1986;
(c) if so, the reasons for delay; and
(d) the time by which these facilities are likely to be available in the country?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (HRI GEORGE FERNANDES)
(a) to (d): A Statement is attached.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1854 FOR 29.11.2001
Repair/ over haul facilities of helicopter aero engines are set up where the fleet strength makes it economically viable to set up the facilities.
The facilities for overhaul of TV3 engines of Mi - 17 helicopters inducted in the Indian Air Force in 1985 - 86 were initially scheduled for completion by 1993-94. However, due to the break-up of the erstwhile Soviet Union, negotiations could be completed only between 1996-1999 for setting up the facilities. Thereafter, the facilities have been commissioned and engine overhaul started in January 2001.
Repair /overhaul facilities for engines of Chetak and Cheetah helicopters were established in the early sixties and these are fully operational.