Fri, Sep 04, 2009
PZL Mielec Will Assemble The International Version Of The Black
Hawk
PZL Mielec, a Sikorsky Aircraft
Corp. company in Poland, has begun final assembly of the first
S-70i Black Hawk helicopter. The production marks the beginning of
a new helicopter in the Sikorsky product line, an international
variant of the Black Hawk. Final assembly officially began on Aug.
17. The first S-70i helicopter is expected to be completed in
2010.
Meanwhile, PZL Mielec continues to ramp up production of Black Hawk
helicopter cabins. Four cabins have been completed to date. Three
have been incorporated into the UH-60M helicopter assembly line at
Sikorsky's main manufacturing facility in the U.S. The fourth cabin
has been joined with other dynamic components as PZL prepares to
build the first S-70i helicopter.
"The startup of the production line in Poland is a defining moment
for the S-70i helicopter program," said Bob Kokorda, Sikorsky Vice
President for Corporate Strategy and Synergy. "This platform will
accommodate customer demand with an affordable, capable, and
adaptable aircraft that remains true to the Black Hawk helicopter's
legendary combat-proven heritage. Now, this proven, dependable
aircraft will extend its capabilities to customers around the
world, bringing robust performance and the latest in rotorcraft
technology."
Black Hawk File Photo
Kokorda reaffirmed the vital role of PZL Mielec in Sikorsky's
expansion plans in Central and Eastern Europe during a briefing
held at the XVII International Defense Industry Exhibition
(MSPO).
To increase its presence in the international marketplace, Sikorsky
has designated PZL Mielec as a final assembly center for the S-70i
Black Hawk helicopter. Production of highly-advanced and
combat-proven Black Hawk helicopters and cabins in PZL Mielec is
expected to provide opportunities to numerous privately- and
publicly-held Polish aviation entities. Currently PZL Mielec
already cooperates with 23 suppliers and subcontractors in Poland;
that figure is expected to increase to about 100 in the foreseeable
future, as the work progresses.
The S-70i helicopter is designed
with a modular platform that can be configured to meet specific
customer requirements. Its standard baseline configuration includes
the latest technology with fully-developed advanced features such
as:
- A fully-integrated digital glass cockpit that is instrument
flight rules (IFR)-capable, a dual digital automatic flight control
system (AFCS) and coupled flight director
- An active vibration control system to smooth the overall ride
of the aircraft and improve the life cycle of air vehicle and
dynamic system components
- A dual GPS/INS (global positioning system/inertial navigation
system) with digital map to provide accurate and redundant
navigation for the most demanding of tactical environments
The S-70i Black Hawk helicopter will be produced through a
cost-effective global supply chain and is planned to be delivered
directly from Poland to international customers. A key competitive
feature of the Polish-made S-70i Black Hawk helicopter is that it
will provide multi-mission, 10-ton utility lift capability at a
price comparable to helicopters in the 6-to-8-ton class.
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