Thu, Jan 09, 2014
U.S. Department Of State Already Under Contract For 13 Aircraft
A modernized version of the S-61T helicopter has conducted is first flight, according to a news release from Sikorsky, which indicates the aircraft has been upgraded with an integrated glass cockpit and enhanced performance capabilities.
In 2010, Sikorsky began a program to upgrade S-61 aircraft and return them to productive service. An industry workhorse, the S-61 helicopter has performed missions reliably for U.S. and foreign allied militaries during the past several decades. The modernized S-61T helicopter represents the latest version, with a full structural refurbishment, overhaul of all major dynamic components, and installation of key upgrades including new composite main rotor blades (CMRB), a survivability suite and state-of-the-art glass cockpit, as well as all new electrical wiring throughout the aircraft. The initial test flight was completed in late 2013.
Sikorsky is under contract with the U.S. Department of State (DoS) for refurbished S-61 aircraft and already has delivered 16 helicopters. The latest order is for 13 S-61T models, with the first delivery scheduled in the first quarter of 2014. The five-year IDIQ (indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity) agreement with DoS allows for the purchase of up to 110 modernized S-61 aircraft. The IDIQ purchase agreement serves as the contracting vehicle for any U.S. government agency to purchase the new helicopter.
"The first flight of the S-61T represents a major milestone in the program," said Steven Rogers, Director S-61 Programs. "The modernized S-61T helicopter can be outfitted to meet a wide variety of requirements."
(Image provided by Sikorsky)
More News
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 >[...]
"From the end of April, our team embarked on a groundbreaking endeavor to help make cleanup efforts on Everest safer and more efficient. We are thrilled to share that our DJI FlyCa>[...]
Obstacle An existing object, object of natural growth, or terrain at a fixed geographical location or which may be expected at a fixed location within a prescribed area with refere>[...]
Aero Linx: Helicopter Association of Canada (HAC) Mandate: 1) To promote a political and regulatory environment that will foster a prosperous Canadian Helicopter industry; 2) To ed>[...]
Also: Hubble On Pause, FedEx Pilots Picket, Nexus eVTOL, VFS Honors The Rotax folks have published a Service Bulletin after issues were noted that may affect all R915i and R916i se>[...]