By Ibrahim Bakare
The Nigeria Airforce Craft NAF 530 assault helicopter which undergone a two year overhaul, passed a test flight and maneuverability under the watchful eyes of the Chief of Airforce, Air Marshall SB Abubakar.
The test took place Friday at the 115 SOG Nigeria Airforce Base Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital.
Speaking at the event, Air Marshall SB Abubakar stated that the test run and maneuverability of the NAF 530 was to bring back the glory of the Airforce in Port Harcourt.
He noted that the craft which was overhauled followed similar efforts in Lagos, Kanji and Kano much as a further Craft NAF 35 was reactivated earlier in Port Harcourt and has been put to use in the fight against terrorism and bandits in Nasarawa, and the North East.
Air Marshall Abubakar revealed that the crew that handled the reactivation of NAF 530 were local engineers in the service of the Nigeria Airforce. He added that the experience gained would be put in the reactivation of other crafts in the Airforce.
On his part, Air Comdr. Olusegun Philips, Chief Aircraft Engineer Tactical Air Command gave the capacity of NAF 540 to include eight passengers, armour plated, missile launcher, rocket launcher and bomb carrier.
Air Comdr. Philips added the craft have been put in service against armed bandits, militancy and air defense.
The Airforce Chief’s visit terminated with the commissioning of NAF tailoring workshop.