DEFENCEWEB
Mechanics from Zambia spent a week in the United States learning how to maintain Enstrom turbine-powered 480B helicopters. Zambia’s Ministry of Defence signed a contract in 2023 for two of the helicopters which will be used as trainers, as well as in missions such as anti-poaching and public safety.
Enstrom regularly offers maintenance courses throughout the year at its factory in Menominee, Michigan. Participants practice what they learn with hands-on display models and special tools.
The Zambia Air Force’s new helicopters will be based in Lusaka and used for training and utility missions. A training package is included in the deal. The helicopters will be equipped with cargo hooks and camera mounts and avionics. One helicopter will be supplied with a full glass cockpit and one with a hybrid glass and analog panel to provide training with a flight deck.
The Enstrom 480B is the company’s flagship aircraft. It was developed to U.S. Army New Training Helicopter specifications. It is 9.2 meters long with a five-seat cabin configuration and litter-carrying capabilities. Military and government operators using the 480B include the Czech Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand and Venezuela.
South Africa’s Safomar Aviation Group coordinated and assisted Enstrom in the sale to Zambia, including logistics, specifications and configuration of the helicopters. Safomar operates a large regional maintenance, repair and overhaul facility and a flight school. It also maintains and operates Enstrom helicopters throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. Safomar has assisted in the sale of three Enstrom 480B helicopters to Botswana’s police service. The last of these was delivered in early 2021.