Turkish Aerospace Industries delivers first S-70i Black Hawk helicopter tailcone
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) today celebrated the delivery of the first tailcone produced by TAI for the S-70i Black Hawk helicopter to be built in Poland.
The tailcone (serial # 001) was shipped recently from TAI’s facility in Ankara, Turkey, to Sikorsky’s affiliate, PZL Mielec, in Poland, where it was joined to the cabin of an S-70i Black Hawk helicopter earlier this month.
Production of the S-70i helicopter at PZL Mielec was planned since the acquisition of the company in 2007.
Delivery of the first S-70i Black Hawk helicopter is expected to occur by the end of 2010, representing a potential increase in Black Hawk production for TAI.
As many as 36 S-70i Black Hawk helicopters are expected to be produced per year from that facility.
“TAI’s recent delivery of the first tailcone to Sikorsky’s Polish affiliate PZL Mielec brings us one step closer to the delivery of the first S-70i Black Hawk helicopter, and its introduction to the international community,” said Stephen B. Estill, Sikorsky Vice President, Strategic Partnerships.
“The Black Hawk helicopter is the workhorse of U.S. Army aviation, used in a multi-mission role in challenging combat environments such as Iraq and Afghanistan, and with this first tailcone delivery, we will write a new history for this aircraft.”
Sikorsky and Turkish Aerospace Industries have had a long relationship in the manufacture of Black Hawk helicopter components. Since 2000, TAI has produced more than 1,600 empennage components for Sikorsky’s global fleet of Black Hawk helicopter derivatives.
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Royal Navy helicopter crews transfer control of UAS in European first]()
Royal Navy helicopter crews transfer control of UAS in European first
Using technology supplied by QinetiQ, two Royal Navy helicopter crews successfully exchanged control of a UAS while in flight.
-
![Leonardo wins Canadian helicopter upgrade programme]()
Leonardo wins Canadian helicopter upgrade programme
The upgrade contract will ensure that the Candian helicopters are compliant with future technological requirements.
-
![Guatemala receives Bell Subaru helicopters]()
Guatemala receives Bell Subaru helicopters
The latest version of the Bell 412 helicopter has improved performance and weight capacity and will support Guatemala in various missions.
-
![Algeria expresses interest in AW249 while AW139 deal remains in limbo]()
Algeria expresses interest in AW249 while AW139 deal remains in limbo
Leonardo and Algeria hope to seal the AW139 deal in 2023 while Italy and the North African country further strengthen defence ties.
-
![Nigeria to receive new attack helicopters]()
Nigeria to receive new attack helicopters
The Nigerian Air Force is to receive more than 50 attack air assets to strengthen its ability to fight insecurity within its borders.
-
![Royal Navy upgrades Merlin helicopters]()
Royal Navy upgrades Merlin helicopters
The Royal Navy's amphibious helicopters have received an improved defensive aid suit and Merlin pilots can now train in a synthetic training environment.
