Will Argument Five Aircraft Already In Service

the Colombian Army has contracted to buy two additional Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters to augment five S-70i helicopters that arrived January 30 in Colombia to join the Special Forces of the Colombian Army's Air Assault Division. The announcement was made Wednesday at the LAAD Defence & Security International Exhibition.

"We thank the Colombian Armed Forces for their continued confidence in Sikorsky and the S-70i variant of the Black Hawk helicopter," said Jennifer Caruso, Sikorsky Vice President of Army and Air Force Programs. "We are pleased once again to be able to respond quickly to the request for new aircraft."

Like the five previous multi-mission aircraft, the two new aircraft will feature dual GPS/INS system and digital map for accurate navigation and enhanced situational awareness. The aircraft will be custom-equipped with a rescue hoist and an Integrated Vehicle Health Management System that will monitor the aircrafts' engines, transmission and rotors. The contract also includes ground support equipment, spares and technical training.

The aircraft are expected to be delivered by October 2013, and then flown by Colombian aircrew to the Army Special Operation Aviation Military base in Tolemaida.

Sold directly by Sikorsky to international militaries and government agencies. the S-70i helicopter delivers the same power and lift performance as S-70M Black Hawk aircraft. The S-70i model can be customized easily by Sikorsky to specific mission needs, to include radar, ballistic protection, medical litters, extended range fuel tanks, an external rescue hoist, and cargo hook among other features.

(Image provided by Sikorsky)

FMI: www.sikorsky.com