In line with its disaster response missions, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced that it is converting another of its W-3A “Sokol” combat utility helicopter, this time tail number 922, into a search-and-rescue (SAR) aircraft. It has allocated PHP31,451,000 for the acquisition of spareparts and other materials needed for the SAR reconfiguration project.
Bid submission and opening is on Nov. 8, 9 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.
Earlier, the PAF said it will convert one of its seven W-3A “Sokol” helicopters, tail number 920, into a SAR platform.
The PAF acquired eight units of the “Sokol” from Polish manufacturer PZL-Swidnik and British-Italian firm AugustaWestland for PHP2.8 billion in 2012.
One of the aircrafts crashed in Lanao Del Sur in 2014 after sustaining an in-flight mechanical failure and is now undergoing repairs.
(Update)