Nothing wrong with 'grounded' PAF chopper in Camp Aguinaldo

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 4): Nothing wrong with 'grounded' PAF chopper in Camp Aguinaldo

Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol on Thursday said that there is nothing wrong with the W-3A "Sokol" still stuck at the grandstand of AFP general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The helicopter was grounded there since Monday.

"The aircraft experienced weak batteries while in the air and the pilot elected to make a precautionary landing so that the representatives of Augusta PZL Swidnik can check it," he added.

The batteries power the electronic components of the W-3A flight component systems.

Okol stated PAF technicians were instructed not touch the helicopter as not to violate its one-year warranty from the manufacturer.

Aside from its defective batteries, the grounded W-3A "Sokol" in Camp Aguinaldo has no other problems.

The PAF spokesperson also clarified that all seven "Sokols" in PAF service are flyable and mission capable.

The PAF's W3-A "Sokols" or "Falcon" combat utility helicopters are equipped with the latest navigation and avionics systems including a night vision goggle compatible cockpit, allowing it to operate day and night in all weather conditions.

This six-ton class helicopter can transport up to 11 troops in the cabin or can lift up to 2,100 kilograms using its external cargo hook.

This helicopter can also be fitted with a M-60D machine gun on each side of the cabin.

Augusta PZL-Swidnik is Poland’s only helicopter company with the capability to design, develop and manufacture its own helicopters.

It has its own research and development center and with 3,500 employees is also the biggest aerospace manufacturer in Poland.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=540973