KIELCE, Poland, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Sikorsky announced a milestone achievement following the beginning of the final assembly in Poland of an international variant of its Black Hawk helicopter.
U.S. company Sikorsky says its partner facility PZL Mielec, located in Poland, has begun final assembly of the S-70i Black Hawk helicopter. PZL Mielec, which in June began manufacturing major components for the S-70i Black Hawk, marks the first final assembly operations for Sikorsky's new international variant.
Sikorsky says the first S-70i helicopter, expected to be completed in 2010, is a milestone for the company's efforts to expand its operations in the international helicopter marketplace.
"The start-up of the production line in Poland is a defining moment for the S-70i helicopter program," Bob Kokorda, Sikorsky vice president for corporate strategy and synergy, said in a statement.
"This platform will accommodate customer demand with an affordable, capable, and adaptable aircraft that remains true to the Black Hawk helicopter's legendary combat-proven heritage. Now, this proven, dependable aircraft will extend its capabilities to customers around the world, bringing robust performance and the latest in rotorcraft technology."
