Posted on 07/17/2014 9:36:52 PM PDT by Rabin
Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford urged to back off plans to cut funding ($550 million contract for Rosoboronexport, Russian supplier of the Mi-17), claiming it would have a “catastrophic” effect on Afghanistan’s ability to conduct operations.
By the end this year, U.S. will abandon its position in Afghanistan. Russian forces who will replace US are flight ready with the Mi-17, though many would prefer American class equipment.
(Excerpt) Read more at stripes.com ...
R.
Hate to tell you, but Russian choppers are more robust, simpler and more importantly intended to be maintained by ill-trained and under-educated personnel.
As well you should
It is a good choice of airframes for them, but it is never going to happen after today. Congress will not go for it now.
Yup. Sadly.
Russian choppers are a better choice for a Third World country that’s got to support them out of their own resources. Our choppers are faster and can sometimes perform better in other aspects, but they’re more complicated and have corresponding maintenance demands.
Also, there are more parts sources out there for them - US choppers are mostly dependent on the US government allowing export of parts. As Obama has demonstrated, the US will be leaving you in the lurch if they feel like it. Depending on the US is kind of stupid for other countries at the moment.
Ruskies got good Hindsight.
Massood's rolling in his grave...
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