Its lines may be familiar, but the Sikorsky Black Hawk transport helicopter that is making its major show debut in the static park this week represents a new standard for export operators.
Dubbed the S-70i, the aircraft is one of only six Polish-built examples of the Black Hawk to have been completed and flown so far by Sikorsky subsidiary PZL Mielec as part of a $100 million-plus investment in the firm.
First flown in Poland last November, the new version is assembled at the company's Mielec site, where it is ramping up its production. Fifteen of the helicopters will be delivered next year and 22 in 2013, Sikorsky said.
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"In a relatively short span of time, the team has taken ownership of its mission: to produce, flight test and ultimately deliver the international variant of the world's most battle-proven helicopter," said PZL Mielec chief executive Janusz Zakrecki.
"The S-70i provides excellent value for international operators who want a reliable airframe, powerful engines and digital avionics for today's missions," said Mick Maurer, president of Sikorsky Military Systems.
- All the latest news, images and video from the 2011 Paris air show
Source: Flight Daily News
