The Sikorsky [UTX] S-70i(tm) Black Hawk helicopter, the international variant of the Black Hawk helicopter was on public display for the first time at the MSPO exhibition this month.
Built at PZL Mielec, Sikorsky’s company in Poland, this is the second S-70i built at the Mielec facility.
The first S-70i Black Hawk helicopter built at PZL Mielec is nearing completion of flight testing in the United States.
A production flight hangar at PZL Mielec is expected to be ready for flight test operations by the end of 2010.
“This begins a new chapter for the S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter being offered on the international market,” said Debra Zampano, S-70i Program Manager, International Military Programs. “From its inception, the S-70i helicopter program has moved forward smoothly, consistently achieving all of its key milestones. This is a global product for a global marketplace, and we are pleased that the public is able to view this new S-70i Black Hawk helicopter at the MSPO.”
Production flight tests will be conducted at the flight hangar at PZL Mielec beginning with the second aircraft.
Since its initial flight at the Sikorsky Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, Fla., the first S-70i Black Hawk helicopter has flown approximately 38 hours in test flight. It is expected to complete production flight testing in the fourth quarter.
“In test flight, the S-70i helicopter is light and has been flying remarkably fast,” said Chief Test Pilot Rick Becker. “It has been performing very well. It’s just a joy to fly.”
Delivery of the first S-70i BLACK HAWK aircraft to the S-70i helicopter program launch customer is scheduled for early 2011.
“The S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter will support the global demand for the advanced technology available in this aircraft,” said Janusz Zakrecki, president of PZL Mielec. “Built in Poland, this aircraft exemplifies Polish craftsmanship and American technology, but more importantly, it is ready for the missions to come.”
The S-70i helicopter is the first Black Hawk aircraft designed specifically for international customers, and uses a global supply chain.
The S-70i Black Hawk helicopter incorporates the latest technology with advanced features such as a fully integrated digital cockpit with a dual digital automatic flight control system and coupled flight director. It also has an active vibration control system that will smooth the overall ride of the aircraft. The dual GPS/INS system with digital map provides accurate and redundant navigation for the most demanding of tactical environments.
Plans call for at least 20 S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopters to be produced per year, beginning in 2012.