The major components of the first S-70i™ BLACK HAWK helicopter have been joined at PZL Mielec in Poland, marking the first time a BLACK HAWK helicopter has been assembled outside the United States and signaling a major step forward in producing BLACK HAWK helicopters internationally, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced today. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).  

The first major join of components was completed earlier this month when the first cabin produced at Mielec was fitted to a Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) tail cone and a cockpit section produced by Kaman Aerospace, Jacksonville, Fla., USA.  

"The joining of Aircraft Number 1 in Poland is a defining moment for the S-70i helicopter program," said Sikorsky President Jeffrey P. Pino. "This platform will accommodate customer demand with an affordable, capable, and adaptable aircraft that remains true to the BLACK HAWK helicopter's legendary combat-proven heritage. Now this proven, dependable aircraft will extend its capabilities to customers around the world, bringing robust performance and the latest in rotorcraft technology."  

First announced in 2006 at the Farnborough International Air Show, the S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter will be produced utilizing a cost-effective global supply chain and delivered from outside the United States to international customers. The S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter will provide multi-mission, 10-ton utility lift capability at a price comparable to helicopters in the 6-to-8-ton class.  

To increase its global presence, Sikorsky has designated PZL Mielec, a Sikorsky Aircraft company, as the final assembly center for the S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter. PZL Mielec has more than 60 years of aircraft design, test, system integration, and manufacturing experience.  

The S-70i helicopter is designed with a modular platform that can be configured to meet specific customer requirements. The S-70i helicopter standard baseline configuration includes the latest technology with such fully developed advanced features as:  

- An instrument flight rules (IFR)-capable, fully integrated digital glass cockpit with a dual digital automatic flight control system (AFCS) and coupled flight director  

- An active vibration control system to smooth the overall ride of the aircraft and improve the life cycle of air vehicle and avionic dynamic system components  

- A dual GPS/INS (global positioning system/inertial navigation system) with digital map to provide accurate and redundant navigation for the most demanding of tactical environments  

- A 701D engine with 701C controls that will provide enhanced corrosion resistance and triple the reliability of the previous model  

The first S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter made at Mielec is expected to be delivered by the end of 2010.