Customer Demo Shows Sikorsky Helicopter's Weapons In
Action
Sikorsky Military Systems and Elbit Systems have successfully
completed the Armed Black Hawk (ABH) demonstrator program, proof-of
concept for the development Battlehawk helicopter. The ABH
demonstrator program recently concluded in Israel with an
opportunity for Sikorsky customers from around the world to observe
the aircraft up close. Sikorsky Test Pilot Bill Fell provided a
tutorial of the ABH demonstrator cockpit while the aircraft was on
static display. Following the cockpit demonstration, customers
visited a local military testing range where they observed a
live-firing demonstration. The demonstration flight was conducted
by Fell and an Israeli Air Force pilot.
"The successful conclusion of the
demonstrator program signifies a major milestone for the Armed
Black Hawk helicopter program," said David Powell, Sikorsky Vice
President, Worldwide Sales. "Sikorsky Aircraft has invested
significant resources into this program in cooperation with the
Israeli Air Force to prove the concept of these weapons, and we are
pleased to announce that the technologies have been affirmed
through our efforts. Together with Elbit Systems, and suppliers
NEXTER and Rafael, we have established a winning combination for
the success of the Battlehawk helicopter program."
The ABH demonstrator Flight Test program, which began in
September 2008, was a cooperative effort between Sikorsky Aircraft
and the government of Israel in conjunction with Elbit Systems
Ltd., which is in charge of mission avionics and weapon systems
integration. The program's purpose was to produce an armed
demonstrator for evaluation by the Israeli Air Force.
"I believe both companies benefited from this successful test
program and we are looking forward to our next joint projects,"
said Yoram Shmuely, Executive Vice President and Co-General Manager
of Elbit Systems' Aerospace Division.
The ABH demonstrator program tested an electro-optical guided
missile, a laser-guided missile, a new laser-guided rocket system,
and a 20-mm turreted gun. The production Battlehawk helicopter will
come equipped with a full suite of armed reconnaissance and attack
capabilities, including an integrated helmet display Electro Optic
Payload (EOP) and weapons options that include missiles, rockets,
and fixed forward and turreted guns. These are available on
new-build aircraft or as a kit that can be retrofitted onto
existing Black Hawk helicopter platforms.
The Battlehawk helicopter will provide medium-lift capability
and firepower that cannot be duplicated by current dedicated
utility or attack platforms. The aircraft can be used in either
combat or peace time for such missions as troop transport, search
and rescue, and disaster relief. On the modern battlefield, the
Battlehawk helicopter combines unique capabilities of advanced
attack and accurate weapons delivery with deployment of
fast-reaction teams.
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