Indian digital clocks to replace Swiss timers in Mi-17 cockpits

Vijay Mohan

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 18

The Swiss-origin aviation clock installed in the cockpit of Russian Mi-17 V5 utility helicopters in service with the IAF are being replaced with an indigenously developed digital clock.

The project has been entrusted to No.3 Base Repair Depot (BRD) here, which is responsible for the maintenance of Mi-series helicopters.

The digital clock, at times referred to as chronometer in aviation parlance, will be developed in collaboration with public or private commercial entities while adhering to military specifications and operational requirements, IAF sources said.

The digital clock keeps track of flying time that has elapsed. It also has the option for providing specific information or a particular type of display.

The quartz aviation clock presently installed in the helicopter was developed by Revue, a Swiss luxury watch maker.

Indigenisation of aero-spares for all types of aircraft has been a major thrust area for the IAF, for which it has been making in-house efforts as well as tapping the private industry.