Armed BLACK HAWK Demonstrator Completes Test Program
December 14 2009 - 9:16AM
PR Newswire (US)
Customer Demo Shows Sikorsky Helicopter's Weapons in Action
STRATFORD, Conn., Dec. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sikorsky
Military Systems, a business unit of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., and
Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESLT) have successfully completed the
Armed BLACK HAWK (ABH) demonstrator program, proof-of concept for
the development BATTLEHAWK(TM) helicopter. Sikorsky is a subsidiary
of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). (Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091214/NE25411 ) (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060403/SIKORSKYLOGO ) The ABH
demonstrator program recently concluded in Israel with an
opportunity for Sikorsky customers from around the world to observe
the aircraft up close. Sikorsky Test Pilot Bill Fell provided a
tutorial of the ABH demonstrator cockpit while the aircraft was on
static display. Following the cockpit demonstration, customers
visited a local military testing range where they observed a
live-firing demonstration. The demonstration flight was conducted
by Fell and an Israeli Air Force pilot. "The successful conclusion
of the demonstrator program signifies a major milestone for the
Armed BLACK HAWK helicopter program," said David Powell, Sikorsky
Vice President, Worldwide Sales. "Sikorsky Aircraft has invested
significant resources into this program in cooperation with the
Israeli Air Force to prove the concept of these weapons, and we are
pleased to announce that the technologies have been affirmed
through our efforts. Together with Elbit Systems, and suppliers
NEXTER and Rafael, we have established a winning combination for
the success of the BATTLEHAWK helicopter program." The ABH
demonstrator Flight Test program, which began in September 2008,
was a cooperative effort between Sikorsky Aircraft and the
government of Israel in conjunction with Elbit Systems Ltd., which
is in charge of mission avionics and weapon systems integration.
The program's purpose was to produce an armed demonstrator for
evaluation by the Israeli Air Force. "I believe both companies
benefited from this successful test program and we are looking
forward to our next joint projects," said Yoram Shmuely, Executive
Vice President and Co-General Manager of Elbit Systems' Aerospace
Division. The ABH demonstrator program tested an electro-optical
guided missile, a laser-guided missile, a new laser-guided rocket
system, and a 20-mm turreted gun. The production BATTLEHAWK
helicopter will come equipped with a full suite of armed
reconnaissance and attack capabilities, including an integrated
helmet display Electro Optic Payload (EOP) and weapons options that
include missiles, rockets, and fixed forward and turreted guns.
These are available on new-build aircraft or as a kit that can be
retrofitted onto existing BLACK HAWK helicopter platforms. The
BATTLEHAWK helicopter will provide medium-lift capability and
firepower that cannot be duplicated by current dedicated utility or
attack platforms. The aircraft can be used in either combat or
peace time for such missions as troop transport, search and rescue,
and disaster relief. On the modern battlefield, the BATTLEHAWK
helicopter combines unique capabilities of advanced attack and
accurate weapons delivery with deployment of fast-reaction teams.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world
leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. United
Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad
range of high technology products and support services to the
aerospace and building systems industries.
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091214/NE25411
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060403/SIKORSKYLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
CONTACT: Paul Jackson, +1-203-386-7143, , or Marianne Heffernan,
+1-203-386-4373, Web Site: http://www.sikorsky.com/
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