Three Utility Helicopters Will Fly VIP Transport In Iraq And
Afghanistan
The U.S. Department of State (DoS) has ordered three additional
upgraded S-61 utility helicopters, bringing the total number
purchased by DoS to 29 aircraft to date.
“The S-61 helicopter is known as an industry workhorse and
for decades has reliably performed missions for U.S. and foreign
allied militaries. The upgraded S-61helicopter can be outfitted to
meet a wide variety of requirements, and we believe it provides
‘best-in-class-value’ for a mid-size, multi-mission
helicopter. In December 2010, we proudly delivered the first
upgraded S-61 aircraft to the U.S. State Department for passenger
and cargo transport missions,” said John Johnson, Director,
S-61 Programs, announcing the order Thursday.
The three aircraft will transport diplomatic personnel in Iraq and
Afghanistan. SAS initiated the S-61 Upgrade Program in early 2010.
As Sikorsky’s launch customer, the DoS has entered into a
five-year IQ (indefinite quantity) agreement with the option to
purchase up to 110 upgraded S-61 aircraft. This IQ purchase
agreement serves as the contracting vehicle for any U.S. government
agency to purchase upgraded S-61 aircraft.
The upgraded S-61 helicopters will undergo a full structural
refurbishment with all major dynamic components zero-timed and key
upgrades provided, including new composite main rotor blades (CMRB)
and a survivability suite. The customer can select additional
options such as a state-of-the-art glass cockpit and crashworthy
primary and auxiliary fuel systems.
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