AIRCRAFT OVERHAUL WING CELEBRATES 5TH ANNIVERSARY
2:10pm on Tuesday 19th January 2021
The Aircraft Overhaul Wing (AOW) at SLAF Base Katunayake proudly celebrated its anniversary upon completion of 5 years of service yesterday (18 January 2021). The customary Working Parade was organized to celebrate the anniversary of the Wing and it was reviewed by the Commanding Officer of the Wing, Group Captain Indika Wickramasinghe.
The Aircraft Overhaul Wing has to date overhauled many aircraft such as Y-12, PT-6, K-8, F-7 BS and F-7 GS during the last five years. The Wing was established at the beginning of the year 2016 with the technical assistance of China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC). Chinese specialist have assisted and guided the SLAF in establishing this facility.
The concept of technology transfer is a common practice in most countries where foreign origin aircraft are inducted and used over a period of time. The practice permits the user nation to ensure longevity of the platforms that they acquire without having to rely on foreign assistance and having to dispatch aircraft overseas at great expense in terms of both money and time. While the process of technology transfer requires an initial capital overlay, it is justified by the return on investment over the lifetime of the aircraft fleet. At the same time, the process and facilities such as this also help to increase the level of competence of the aviation industry of the nation as well and creates opportunities for technicians engaged in such enterprises to obtain gainful employment even after their retirement from military service.
The Aircraft Overhaul Wing has to date overhauled many aircraft such as Y-12, PT-6, K-8, F-7 BS and F-7 GS during the last five years. The Wing was established at the beginning of the year 2016 with the technical assistance of China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC). Chinese specialist have assisted and guided the SLAF in establishing this facility.
The concept of technology transfer is a common practice in most countries where foreign origin aircraft are inducted and used over a period of time. The practice permits the user nation to ensure longevity of the platforms that they acquire without having to rely on foreign assistance and having to dispatch aircraft overseas at great expense in terms of both money and time. While the process of technology transfer requires an initial capital overlay, it is justified by the return on investment over the lifetime of the aircraft fleet. At the same time, the process and facilities such as this also help to increase the level of competence of the aviation industry of the nation as well and creates opportunities for technicians engaged in such enterprises to obtain gainful employment even after their retirement from military service.
