Sikorsky says the first production CH-60S helicopter will be handed over within weeks for the completion of US Navy development and operational testing.
The manufacturer tied up the first of a potentially lucrative series of contracts with the USN before Christmas by completing the sale of the first two fleet combat support CH-60s.
Meanwhile, the Lot 1 contract, awarded in September 1999, calls for the delivery of six CH-60S aircraft by June 2000.
A follow-on contract is expected later this year for deliveries between July 2000 and June 2001. The USN has a requirement for up to 200 machines.
The aircraft is a baseline UH-60 Black Hawk, with the SH-60 Seahawk's automatic rotor blade folding system, folding tail pylon, and automatic flight control computer.
Projected missions include vertical replenishment operations, search and rescue and remote site logistics. The USN is also expected to expand the aircraft's role to include mine countermeasures and special warfare support.
Source: Flight Daily News
