Colombian Army Adds Sikorsky Copters - Analyst Blog
March 25 2013 - 2:25PM
Zacks
In order to strengthen the combat power of the Special Forces of
the Air Assault Division of the armed forces, the Colombian Army
recently added five new Sikorsky S-70i multi-mission helicopters
into its fleet.
With the addition of these helicopters, Colombia became the
first South American country to possess the S-70i BLACK HAWK
helicopter variant in its arsenal that is being indigenously
manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of
diversified business conglomerate United Technologies
Corp. (UTX).
Colombia has an existing fleet of 96 UH-60L helicopters developed
by Sikorsky. These powerful helicopters with automatic fight
control system are operated by its National Police, Air Force and
Army, accounting for the fourth-largest BLACK HAWK fleet in the
world. The addition of the improved version of the S-70i BLACK HAWK
helicopters will further augment its defensive capabilities and
fortify its armory.
The S-70i model has a digital cockpit and advanced stellar avionics
with a dual GPS/INS system for accurate navigation and
well-informed situational awareness. The helicopters can also be
customized to include other features such as radar, ballistic
protection, medical litters, extended fuel tanks, an external
rescue hoist, and cargo hook.
In order to get accustomed with its advanced operations,
Sikorsky provided extensive training to the Colombian Army and
graduated instructor pilots and maintainers to train others in the
unit.
Sikorsky is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of military
and commercial helicopters, and also provides aftermarket
helicopter and aircraft parts and services for its parent company
UTX. At present, major production programs at Sikorsky include the
UH-60M Black Hawk medium-transport helicopters and HH-60M Medevac
helicopters for the U.S. and foreign governments, the S-70 Black
Hawk for foreign governments, the MH-60S and MH-60R helicopters for
the U.S. Navy, the International Naval Hawk for multiple naval
missions, and the S-76 and S-92 helicopters for commercial
operations.
Based in Hartford, CT, United Technologies provides high-end
technology products and services to the building systems and
aerospace industries worldwide. The company is a diversified
business conglomerate serving various end markets such as
aerospace, defense and commercial construction. The business
diversification allows the company to remain profitable amid tough
economic times.
The operations of the company are primarily classified into two
principal businesses: commercial and aerospace. Under its
commercial business, the company has Otis and the UTC Climate,
Controls & Security division, which combined the former Carrier
and UTC Fire & Security divisions. The aerospace business of
the company consists of Sikorsky aircraft and the UTC Propulsion
& Aerospace Systems, which includes UTC Aerospace Systems and
Pratt & Whitney divisions.
United Technologies faces intense competition from industry bigwigs
such as China Merchants Holdings (CMHHY),
Crane Co. (CR) and Macquarie
(MIC), each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). United Technologies
presently also has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
CHINA MERCHANTS (CMHHY): Get Free Report
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