LONDON, July 21 (UPI) -- Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry ordered three Sikorsky S-70i helicopters with options to purchase a dozen more.
The order makes Saudi Arabia the launch customer for the new aircraft, which is an international version of Sikorsky's Black Hawk, used by the U.S. Army and the armed forces of more than two dozen other countries.
"We are proud to announce the sales launch of the S-70i international Black Hawk to our valued customer, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior," Michael Ambrose, vice president of international military programs at Sikorsky, said. "The S-70i helicopter continues the legendary Black Hawk history of providing safe and reliable transportation for militaries around the world with exceptional value."
The helicopter incorporates the latest technology with advanced features such as a fully integrated digital cockpit with a dual digital automatic flight control system and coupled flight director, Sikorsky said.
Delivery of the first helicopter is scheduled for early 2011. The aircraft will perform transport, border protection and other missions.
The S70i will be the first Black Hawk assembled in Europe. Sikorsky said assembly will be done in Poland by PZL Mielec, a Sikorsky company.
