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| Australian BlackHawk |
STRATFORD, Connecticut - Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), has formally signed a contract with the Brunei Ministry of Defence to provide 12 S-70iTM BLACK HAWK helicopters with associated spare parts, training and ground support equipment. The contract contains an option for 10 additional aircraft.
“We thank the Brunei Government for selecting the S-70i BLACK HAWK aircraft to fulfill the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Support Helicopter Project,” said Robert Kokorda, Sikorsky Sales and Marketing Vice President. “We look forward to a close collaboration with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces to provide best-in-class helicopter training, and logistics support for the lifetime of the aircraft.”
As part of the contract, Sikorsky will place an S-70i aircraft simulator in the southeast Asia region. The simulator will enable Brunei aircrew to become familiar with the helicopter, especially in the months leading up to the arrival of S-70i aircraft in Brunei beginning in 2013.
The Brunei Ministry of Defence announced its selection of the S-70i BLACK HAWK aircraft on November 15 following several months of rigorous evaluation of competing helicopters. Sikorsky signed the contract December 2 in Brunei.
BLACK HAWK helicopters are renowned for high reliability, performance and survivability in multi-role operations. Currently more than 3,000 BLACK HAWK helicopters are operating in 30 countries.
The S-70i helicopter is the latest variant of the BLACK HAWK helicopter family. The aircraft provides operators with the same power and lift performance as UH-60M BLACK HAWK aircraft, the preferred utility helicopter of the U.S. Army. The S-70i aircraft is sold directly by Sikorsky to international militaries and government agencies.
The S-70i aircraft’s advanced avionics include a dual GPS/INS system with digital map that provides accurate navigation and enhanced situational awareness. An active vibration control system delivers smooth overall ride during flight. The aircraft can be ordered with user-specific navigation, communications and other tactical equipment.