Sikorsky signs new MoU, delivers S-92 helicopters

Sikorsky has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ETC Polish subsidiary, ETC-PZL Aerospace Industries, to examine how ETC-PZL can best provide aircrew training systems and maintenance support in the case that Poland’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) should acquire Polish-built S-70i Black Hawk helicopters for its armed forces.

According to the conditions of the MOU, discussions will focus on how ETC-PZL will support training, logistics and maintenance requirements for all simulators and training devices in the event of the acquisition of S-70i helicopters by the Polish MoD.

ETC and ETC-PZL together provide comprehensive support packages for all rotary or fixed wing aircraft simulators. They offer customers in the military and commercial market complete equipment, aircrew and operator training, maintenance, operation, upgrade, repair and service packages for all manufacturers’ equipment

Steve Jackson, President, ETC-PZL, said: ’ETC-PZL is delighted to have the possibility of partnering with Sikorsky and PZL Mielec to develop an S70i helicopter simulator in Poland. ETC-PZL hopes this program will herald the start of a successful, long-term cooperation in that market area and contribute to the continued development of ETC-PZL’s range of type specific training devices’.

The news follows the announcement that Sikorsky has delivered the first two of 16 S-92 baseline helicopters to Bond Aviation Group on 8 October. The deliveries mark the beginning of the fulfilment of the largest one-time acquisition of S-92 aircraft ever received by the company.

The contract, signed earlier this year, will see Sikorsky customise the S-92 aircraft for offshore oil operations.

Richard Mintern, chief executive officer of Bond Aviation Group, said: ‘Our group is committed to safety as the utmost priority for our customers, and the S-92 helicopter represents the latest technology in terms of design and safety. This, combined with its payload, speed and range capabilities, makes the S-92 an ideal choice for the oil & gas and search & rescue missions, and thus an excellent choice for Bond and for our customers. I am also very proud to announce that these first two aircraft will be operated by our new business in Norway, Norsk Helikopter Service.’