Article Posted on : - Jan 18, 2013

Mi-171Sh Combat-transport helicopter. Photo: Ulande Ude.

ACCRA (BNS): The Ghana Air Force has received four new Mi-171Sh helicopters which will be used for VIP transport, search and rescue and training and other requirements.

The helicopters built by Russian state arms company Rosoboronexport, were commissioned into service by President John Mahama at a ceremony held in Accra, a report by Ghana news Agency said.

President Mahama  also commissioned an ultra-modern logistics warehouse for maintenance and preservation of all the necessary equipment for the helicopters at the Ghana Air Force Base.

He said the acquisition of the helicopters will broaden the operational capabilities of Ghana's Army and Air Force.

The MI-171Sh helicopter has a maximum weight of 13,000 kilogrammes, a main tank capacity of 610 kilometres with the main and external tank capacity of 1065 kilometres. The helicopter can transport a maximum of 34 fully equipped soldiers.