Sikorsky's S-70B Seahawk selected for Indian Navy MRH programme
Sikorsky’s S-70B Seahawk helicopter has been selected by the Indian Navy to fulfil its Multi-Role Helicopter requirement. Negotiations for the procurement of 16 aircraft, with an option for eight additional aircraft, and a logistics, support and training programme will now begin.
The Indian Navy has a requirement for a multi-role helicopter capable of providing anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare (ASW/ASuW) capabilities, along with other non-combat maritime roles, including search and rescue, utility and external cargo lift, surveillance and casualty evacuation.
The proposed Indian Navy S-70B variant will include avionics and flexible open architecture Weapons Management Systems that integrate an advanced sonar, 360 degree search radar, modern air-to-surface missiles, and torpedoes for the ASW role. A blade and tail fold capability will facilitate shipboard storage.
Mick Maurer, president, Sikorsky Aircraft, said: ‘India's selection of the S-70B helicopter represents a major strategic win for Sikorsky in an important growth market, and positions us well for future opportunities. We look forward to a long-term collaboration with the Indian government and local industry as we work to bring the Indian Navy the highly advanced multi-role S-70B aircraft.’
The S-70B helicopter is operational in six countries across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America, where it operates aboard frigates and larger naval vessels. The S-70B aircraft is part of Sikorsky's Seahawk helicopter family that has accumulated almost four million flight hours from more than 800 operational aircraft.
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