Sun, Sep 16, 2012
Will Explore Potential Supply Scenarios With The Polish Company
Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) and PZL Mielec – Polish manufacturer of the S-70i Black Hawk helicopter – announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Wojskowe Centralne Biuro Konstrukcyjno – Technologiczne (WCBKT) to explore how WCBKT could supply Ground Support Equipment to sustain a fleet of S-70i helicopters in Poland. Any future collaboration will depend in large part on Poland’s Ministry of Defence acquiring the PZL-Mielec-built S-70i helicopter for its armed forces. The MOU is one of three such documents signed this week with Polish companies.
For over 30 years, WCBKT has focused on the development and manufacture of modern equipment for the Polish Army. Under the terms of the MOU, WCBKT will work with Sikorsky to potentially become an approved supplier of Ground Support Equipment (GSE), and potentially also for S-70i Black Hawk helicopters operating in Europe.
“WCBKT’s extensive experience in the production of aircraft ground support equipment for military use and their research and development capabilities offers the level of quality products and services we look for in partnering with an international company,” said Frank DiPasquale, SAS Vice President of Sales and Strategic Relationships. “Our aftermarket expertise coupled with the synergy of local support companies will provide comprehensive in-country capabilities should Poland’s Ministry of Defence select the S-70i helicopter for their military needs. This MOU aligns with our goal to provide comprehensive support solutions where our customers operate.”
This year, the Polish Ministry of Defence is expected to release a tender for multi-role helicopters followed by a contract award in late 2013. Sikorsky will offer the Polish-built S-70i aircraft, a customizable variant of the Black Hawk helicopter flown by militaries in 25 countries.
"This agreement is an important stage in our strategy of the Black Hawk helicopter’s Polonization. It demonstrates our openness for collaboration with other local companies,” said Janusz Zakrecki, President, PZL Mielec.
“The cooperation between WCBKT and Sikorsky will create new opportunities for our company for broader presentation of our products worldwide, everywhere Sikorsky provides its helicopters,” said Artur Kolosowski, President of WCBKT.
(S-70i Black Hawk image provided by Sikorsky)
More News
From 2023 (YouTube Version): Legacy of a Titan Robert (Bob) Anderson Hoover was a fighter pilot, test pilot, flight instructor, and air show superstar. More so, Bob Hoover was an i>[...]
Get The Latest in Aviation News NOW on Instagram Are you on Instagram yet? It's been around for a few years, quietly picking up traction mostly thanks to everybody's new obsession >[...]
Aero Linx: B-52H Stratofortress The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic spee>[...]
Altimeter Setting The barometric pressure reading used to adjust a pressure altimeter for variations in existing atmospheric pressure or to the standard altimeter setting (29.92).>[...]
"Knowing that we play an active part in bettering people's lives is extremely rewarding. My team and I are very thankful for the opportunity to be here and to help in any way we ca>[...]