Page 65 - World Airnews September 2020 Edition

NEWS DIGITAL

UPGRADED MI-35P

the best qualities of
the legendary Mi-24
Russian Helicopters holding company family, hardened in
- part of the Rostec State Corporation - has air combat around
launched serial production of the upgraded the world, and
the latest Russian
Mi-35P attack helicopter at the Rostvertol achievements in
plant. The first serial model completed the field of avionics,
its type-specific flight tests, receiving ” said director
confirmation of the declared performance general of Russian
characteristics and implemented changes Helicopters Andrey
in its design. Boginsky.
During the tests, taking place on the The upgraded
premises of Rostvertol and the National Mi-35P is equipped
Helicopter Centre Мil & Kamov, Mi-35P with an upgraded target sight system improves the controllability and stability
performed a number of flights using with third generation long-wave matrix of the helicopter and provides automation
new weapons and onboard equipment. thermal imaging, a high-resolution colour of piloting processes to support the
The tests resulted into finalisation of TV camera and a laser rangefinder. The pilot. In addition, a modernised targeting
the helicopter's design documentation, helicopter also comes with modern 3+ and computing system will increase the
confirming the model's readiness for mass generation night vision goggles and a set accuracy of target engagement.
production. of external and internal lighting equipment The upgraded Mi-35P was demonstrated
"Mi-35P was created in co-operation adapted for the use with them. at the International Military-Technical
with Rostec's enterprises and combines New digital flight control system Forum ARMY-2020 held last month. Q

NEWS DIGITAL

CALLS TO REVIVE HWANGE

NATIONAL PARK AIRPORT

By Wallace Mawire

operations at the airport. director said that there are plans to boost
In terms of terminal capacity and runway operations at the airport which used to be
Concerned stakeholders in the aviation dimensions in the country, Robert Mugabe vibrant in its heydays.
sector in Zimbabwe have urged the respon- International airport is on the lead with She said that the airport boasts of all the
sible authorities to revive operations at 4725 x 16m runway dimensions followed required accessories including necessary
Hwange national park airport, a move also by Hwange airport with 4600x30 with fire-fighting equipment and the facilities
expected to boost the country's tourism Victoria Falls airport on 4000 x 45 runway that are a pre- requisite of all airports.
revenue inflows. dimensions. She added that Air Zimbabwe used to
According to the Civil Aviation Authority There are also other small airports dotted have a scheduled flight to Hwange airport
of Zimbabwe (CAAZ), Hwange airport is the around the country like Joshua N. Nkomo called Flame Lily when the economy was
second largest airport apart from Robert airport in the second city of Bulawayo, still ticking.
Mugabe International airport in terms of Kariba airport, which is another tourism She said it is regrettable that the airport
terminal capacity and runway dimensions. resort town, Charles Prince airport and is now stagnant and not being fully utilised.
However, despite its capacity, stakehold- Buffalo Range airport. Mandiziva said that there were oppor-
ers are concerned that it is not being fully In terms of terminal capacity Robert. tunities for stakeholders and operators in
utilized for the country's benefit. Mugabe international airport leads with the tourism and game parks business to
About a decade or so back, before the at least 2500000 passengers per annum, benefit from the revival of operations at
country experienced an economic backlash, then J.N. Nkomo airport with 1500000, the airport.
the airport used to be very vibrant witness- Victoria Falls airport with also 1500000 Annajulia Hungwe, CAAZ corporate
ing an influx of tourists and visitors to the passengers per annum. Hwange national communications manager said that the
national park. It was strategically located as airport has 150000 passengers per annum. airport is currently closed due to the
an efficient mode of transportation for the Stakeholders say that this could be current national lockdown in the country
tourism sector. increased if operations at the airport are as per statutory instrument (SI) 83 of 2020.
So the decline in the number of tourists revived. She said that charter flights used to service
and visitors to the national park affected Margaret Mandiziva, CAAZ acting Hwange national airport. Q

World Airnews | September Extra 2020
— 18 —