Program Continues On Schedule With Launch Into Global Market

The S-70i Black Hawk helicopter is on public display for the first time. Built at PZL Mielec, Sikorsky's subsidiary in Poland, the aircraft will be on static display at the MSPO exhibition through September 9th.

Sikorsky S-70i (File Photo)

The display aircraft is the second to be produced at PZL Mielec. The first S-70i Black Hawk helicopter built at PZL Mielec is nearing completion of flight testing in the U.S. A production flight hangar at PZL Mielec is expected to be ready for flight test operations by the end of 2010. "This begins a new chapter for the S-70i Black Hawk helicopter being offered on the international market," said Debra A. Zampano, S-70i Program Manager, International Military Programs. "From its inception, the S-70i helicopter program has moved forward smoothly, consistently achieving all of its key milestones. This is a global product for a global marketplace, and we are pleased that the public is able to view this new S-70i Black Hawk helicopter at the MSPO."

Production flight tests will be conducted at the flight hangar at PZL Mielec beginning with the second aircraft. Since its initial flight at the Sikorsky Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, USA, the first S-70i Black Hawk helicopter has flown approximately 38 hours in test flight. It is expected to complete production flight testing in the fourth quarter. "In test flight, the S-70i helicopter is light and has been flying remarkably fast," said Chief Test Pilot Rick Becker. "It has been performing very well. It's just a joy to fly."

Delivery of the first S-70i Black Hawk aircraft to the S-70i helicopter program launch customer is scheduled for early 2011.

FMI: www.sikorsky.com