Brunei orders S-70i Black Hawks
The Brunei Ministry of Defence (MOD) has signed a contract with Sikorsky Aircraft for the acquisition of 12 S-70i Black Hawk helicopters and associated spare parts, training and ground support equipment. The official contract was signed 2 December 2011 in Brunei.
The Brunei MOD has selected the Black Hawk aircraft to fulfil its Royal Brunei Armed Forces Support Helicopter Project requirement. The selection of the S-70i follows several months of rigorous evaluation of competing helicopters.
According to Sikorsky, the contact contains an option for 10 additional aircraft. As part of the contract, Sikorsky will place an S-70i aircraft simulator in the south-east 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 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 US Army. 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.
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