Zambian Air Force acquires two Enstrom 480B helicopters

The US-based Enstrom Helicopter Corporation announced on April 17 that it has sold two turbine-powered 480B helicopters to the Zambian Air Force (ZAF), which will employ the rotorcraft for both training and utility missions.

As per the details of the procurement contract – which was formally signed by the Zambian MOD on February 23 – the deal includes the two helicopters, plus training for ZAF pilots and ground personnel. The two 480Bs will be based at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Zambia's capital city, Lusaka.

The ZAF will receive two turbine-powered Enstrom 480B light helicopters for training and utility missions. While a delivery schedule has not been outlined, the two helicopters will be based at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka once they enter operational service.
The ZAF will receive two turbine-powered Enstrom 480B light helicopters for training and utility missions. While a delivery schedule has not been outlined, the two helicopters will be based at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka once they enter operational service. Enstrom Helicopter Corporation

Commenting on the recent sale, Dennis Martin – vice-president of sales and marketing at Enstrom – said: “We are very excited to be supporting the ZAF missions. The 480B will be a lot more efficient than some of the other light helicopters they were using, but with its performance and quick reconfiguration options, the 480B will provide the capability and flexibility they need.”

According to Enstrom, the two 480Bs will each be equipped with cargo hooks and hardpoints for cameras, as well as glass cockpit display panels and a Garmin avionics system. While one helicopter will be delivered with a full glass cockpit, the second will feature both a glass cockpit and analogue instruments to enable ZAF student pilots to gain experience on how to fly the various platforms that the air arm operates.

The company adds that Safomar Aviation Group South Africa co-ordinated and assisted Enstrom in selling the two 480Bs to the ZAF, including the logistics, specifications and configuration of the helicopters. Safomar boasts a large presence throughout sub-Saharan Africa, where it operates a regional maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) network, as well as a flight school, in which the firm both maintains and operates Enstrom-built helicopters.