First Black Hawk Assembled In Europe

The first S-70i Black Hawk helicopter built at PZL Mielec, Sikorsky's subsidiary in Poland, has entered the flight test program at the company's Development Flight Center (DFC) in Florida. The S-70i helicopter is an international variant of the Black Hawk helicopter.

Sikorsky S-70i File Photo

The aircraft arrived at the DFC on May 4. This new international variant utilizes a global supply chain and is the first Black Hawk helicopter assembled in Europe. It launches a new helicopter in the Sikorsky product line. Production flight tests are planned at PZL Mielec later this year.

"In July, we will mark the debut flight of the S-70i Black Hawk helicopter at our Development Flight Center in Florida. Production of the second S-70i aircraft is underway at PZL Mielec," said Debra A. Zampano, S-70i Program Manager, International Military Programs. "The program is progressing well and hitting all key milestones."

Plans call for at least 20 S-70i Black Hawk helicopters to be produced per year, beginning in 2012, and for PZL Mielec to be the hub of the program for international customers.

FMI: www.sikorksy.com