From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 5): Grounding of one W-3A 'Sokol' not a cause of concern - DND chief
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=541372
The grounding of a W-3A "Sokol" due to battery failure is not a cause for concern, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin said on Friday.
He said this is just a minor deficiency.
"(The grounding should not be a cause of concern) as these are minor deficiencies. From what I gathered, the helicopter was grounded due to a weak battery. I really do not know the official report yet but its nothing major," Gazmin stressed.
The DND chief also added that there is no need for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to ground the remaining seven "Sokols" in its inventory, adding that the battery defect was only experienced by one aircraft.
The grounded "Sokol" which is still stuck at the helipad of Camp Gen. Aguinaldo, Quezon City, was supposed to transport Gazmin and his party to Clark Air Base in Pampanga for the 66th anniversary of the PAF last July 1.
The helicopter was grounded there since Monday.
The batteries power the electronic components of the W-3A flight component systems.
Aside from its defective batteries, the grounded W-3A "Sokol" in Camp Aguinaldo
The PAF's W3-A "Sokols" or "Falcon" combat utility helicopters are equipped with the latest navigation and avionics systems including a night vision goggle compatible cockpit, allowing it to operate day and night in all weather conditions.
This six-ton class helicopter can transport up to 11 troops in the cabin or can lift up to 2,100 kilograms using its external cargo hook.
This helicopter can also be fitted with a M-60D machine gun on each side of the cabin.
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It has its own research and development center and with 3,500 employees is also the biggest aerospace manufacturer in Poland
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=541372