STC For Nuri

SHAH ALAM: RMAF presented the supplemental type certificate (STC) to Airod Sdn Bhd yesterday, marking the official acceptance of the Nuri Upgrade Programme 4. The NUP 4 is the designation for the work to upgrade a single Nuri – M23-37 – with a new digital cockpit.

The helicopter itself was handed over to the RMAF during LIMA 17. With the presentation of the STC, the helicopter will now returned to squadron service likely with its original unit, 7 Skuadron, based in Kuching, Sarawak.

Nuri M23-37 flying over Shah Alam during flight trials prior to LIMA 17.

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The STC presentation was not open to the media so I cannot get any official updates on the Nuri upgrade contract.

The issuance of the STC also meant that RMAF has certified the avionics upgrade work for the Nuri and Airod can now proceed with upgrading the rest of the Nuri in service with similar capabilities, once the contract is signed of course.

Deputy RMAF chief Lt Jen Ackbal Abdul Samad (right) presenting the STC to Airod CEO Datuk Ibrahim Bahari at the presentation ceremony.

When is the NUP 4 contract will be signed? Soon, industry sources say. But will it proceed ahead of the Hawk and Hercules ugprades then? That is the million ringgit question. No one will say anything apart soon.

RMAF Nuri S61A4 M23-36 at the fly-past rehearsal on Feb 26, 2016. The 36 is likely to be airworthy again after undergoing repairs after a hard landing some six months after the picture was taken.

By the way, I think the other Nuri which had undergone the digital cockpit upgrade has also returned to the air. However, I have yet to manage to get a picture of it though. If anyone get a picture of the helicopter, M23-36, they can send it to me and I will publish it here.

— Malaysian Defence

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