Paul Derby/DUBAI
Relief supplies flown into Turkey by Sikorsky to help victims of this summer's earthquake took on a new significance when a second powerful quake hit the country on Friday.
Sikorsky had offered to carry a consignment of tents along with four of its UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters being delivered to the Turkish government on board an Antonov AN-124.
Sikorsky President Dean Borgman flew to Turkey to present the tents to Turkish officials. The tents and winter liners were donated by AmeriCares, which is assisting in sheltering people affected by the earthquakes.
Sikorsky parent United Technologies and individual for members of staff have donated $230,000 to Turkish earthquake relief, Borgman revealed.
Friday's earthquake measured 7.2 on the Richter scale and estimates say that more than 240 people were killed and many more injured.
The Black Hawk delivery confirmed Turkey as the second largest international operator of the type, with more than 70 already delivered to the Turkish Jandarma, National Police, Land Forces and Special Aviation Group. By early 2001 Sikorsky will have delivered 109 Black Hawks to Turkey.
The company has also been contracted to build eight SH-60 Seahawk helicopters to serve the Turkish Navy and is in the running to supply Turkish land forces with the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter. The country has a requirement for eight heavy lift machines.
Source: Flight Daily News
