Brazil's defence ministry has moved to more than double the number of Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawks required to fulfil its CH-X heavylift helicopter programme.
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) last week notified Congress of a possible foreign military sale (FMS) of 10 UH-60Ls to Brazil - six more than originally planned.
The entire FMS deal includes the helicopters, 35 General Electric T700-701C engines, 22 7.62mm M134 Miniguns, search-and-rescue equipment and related services, according to the DSCA notice. The increased purchase also appears to have raised Brazil's budget for the programme from $100 million to $250 million.
Sikorsky has confirmed the potential FMS sale would involve new-build UH-60Ls.
The DSCA says Brazil needs the CH-X helicopters for search-and-rescue and self-defence requirements.
Source: Flight International
