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Main>Articles>Military Stuff>Sikorsky S-61 Nuri
Sikorsky S-61 Nuri
Starting from 1968, Malaysia
began receiving Sikorsky S-61A helicopters in numbers which eventually
totalled to 42 units. The S-61A helicopters are the export versions of
the SH-3A used in the US Navy. Because of its lenghtened nose, these helicopters
were known within the RMAF has the 'Nuri' or Parrot. The nickname has
been stuck to this helicopter ever since. 
Its twin T58-GE-8B turboshaft engines produce a
total of 1250hp and enables it to fly at speeds of up to 276km/h, with
a range of around 1,005km. Apart from a 3 member crew consisting of a
pilot, co-pilot and an air quartermaster, the Nuri is able to carry a
maximum of 21 soldiers. In lieu of passengers, the Nuri can carry a considerable
amount of supplies for forward-deployed troops. Also, it can carry underslung
payloads of small to medium size. Lastly, a winch can be carried for SAR
(Seach and Rescue) as well as SOF (Special Operation Forces) deployment
missions.
Equipped with a Pulse-Doppler radar as well as a radar altimeter, the
Nuri is well capable of flying NOE (Nap of the Earth) flight profiles,
hugging the treetops or ground terrain to avoid detection by hostile forces.
This greatly enhances its survivability, especially when delivering troops
into hostile areas. The terrain avoidance radar also enables to Nuri to
conduct night missions safely, warning the pilots of buildings and obstacles
in their flight path. Already, upgrades have taken place to refurbish
the radars as well as to install a new GPS navigation system. The upgraded
Nuris are identified by their longer noses.
Apart
from their obvious role of troop transportation to forward areas, the
Nuri has also played a significant role in providing mercy flights to
transport the sick and injured from remote villages to medical facilities
in towns and cities. Nuris are also sometimes used by the RMAF to transport
goods and supplies to RMN vessels, demonstrating the close inter-service
co-operation of the MAF. This is because the Nuris can carry a larger
payload than the Fennec helicopters currently operated by the RMN.
Despite its excellent performance, the Nuri is an aging aircraft. As such,
the RMAF already has plans in place to purchase Russian Mi-17I helicopters
to complement, and eventually replace the Nuris by the year 2007.