Two More Of The Helos Are In Final Production In Mielec

An S-70i Black Hawk helicopter has flown in Poland for the first time, marking significant step for the helicopter line being produced by Sikorsky Aircraft's company in Poland, PZL Mielec.

S-70i Black Hawk

PZL Mielec is the final assembly center for the S-70i helicopter, the newest Black Hawk variant, which is being produced for the international market. The aircraft that flew in Poland Monday is the second helicopter to be produced at PZL Mielec.

"The S-70i Black Hawk helicopter program has been executed seamlessly and Sikorsky Aircraft celebrates this landmark moment," said Robert Mastronardi, S-70i Senior Program Manager, Sikorsky Military Systems. "With each milestone our team was focused on producing an exceptional and unique product, while continuing to globalize our company. Today, we are witnessing the growth of a new generation of internationally built Black Hawk helicopters ready to serve world markets."

While the second aircraft in the new line begins to accumulate production flight test hours, the first-ever S-70i recently completed flight testing in the United States and is being fitted out with options. The options that will be developed for the aircraft will enable customers to perform missions such as humanitarian relief, search and rescue, medical evacuation, command and control, and armed patrol.

The next two aircraft in the program are in final assembly at PZL Mielec, with a fifth aircraft slated to begin production in December. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2011.

"For the employees of PZL Mielec, this first flight is the culmination of exceptional coordination with Sikorsky and dedication to our collective mission: to produce a remarkable new helicopter and continue the tradition of aircraft performance superiority," said Janusz Zakrecki, CEO of PZL Mielec. "Beyond PZL Mielec, this milestone sends a much broader message: the new S-70i Black Hawk helicopter is here."

FMI: www.sikorsky.com