Sikorsky Aircraft [UTX] this week said it formally signed a contract with the Brunei Ministry of Defence to provide 12 S-70i™ Black Hawk helicopters with associated spare parts, training and ground support equipment. The contract contains an option for 10 additional aircraft.
Sikorsky prevailed over the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. (EADS) Eurocopter for the procurement.
“We thank the Brunei government for selecting the S-70i Black Hawk aircraft to fulfill the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Support Helicopter Project,” said Robert Kokorda, Sikorsky Sales and Marketing vice president. “We look forward to a close collaboration with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces to provide best-in-class helicopter training, and logistics support for the lifetime of the aircraft.”
The Royal Brunei Armed Forces Support Helicopter Project was initiated to replace the current fleet of Bell Helicopter Textron [TXT] 212 and Messerschmitt-boelkow-blohm (MBB) BO-105 helicopters and to enhance the RBAF’s rotary wing capacity to meet requirements identified in the Defence White Paper Update 2007.
The project sought innovative helicopter replacement solutions suitable to meet the RBAF’s needs from reputable helicopter vendors via an Invitation to Tender released in February 2011.
In July, Brunei chose Sikorsky and EADS Eurocopter SAS for contract negotiation following a thorough assessment of the vendors’ proposals.
On Nov. 15, Brunei announced the Sikorsky selection for the procurement.
As part of the contract, Sikorsky will place an S-70i aircraft simulator in the southeast Asia region. The simulator will enable Brunei aircrew to become familiar with the helicopter, especially in the months leading up to the arrival of S-70i aircraft in Brunei beginning in 2013.
The Brunei Ministry of Defense announced its selection of the S-70i Black Hawk aircraft on Nov. 15 following several months of rigorous evaluation of competing helicopters. Sikorsky signed the contract Dec. 2 in Brunei.
Black Hawk helicopters are renowned for high reliability, performance and survivability in multi-role operations. Currently, more than 3,000 Black Hawk helicopters are operating in 30 countries.
The S-70i helicopter is the latest variant of the Black Hawk helicopter family. The aircraft provides operators with the same power and lift performance as UH-60M Black Hawk aircraft, the preferred utility helicopter of the U.S. Army. The S-70i aircraft is sold directly by Sikorsky to international militaries and government agencies.
The S-70i aircraft’s advanced avionics include a dual GPS/INS system with digital map that provides accurate navigation and enhanced situational awareness. An active vibration control system delivers smooth overall ride during flight. The aircraft can be ordered with user-specific navigation, communications and other tactical equipment.
The delivery of these advanced new aircraft will allow Brunei to further strengthen its troop deployment capabilities in military and humanitarian operations to fulfill its national and international obligations.
Brunei has also signed a Blanket Order Agreement (BOA) with Helicopter Support, Inc., a Sikorsky subsidiary for the supply of additional spares and services to support the helicopter fleet . The agreement will provide Brunei with a high level of streamlined support and services to enhance the aircraft fleet’s availability.