Sikorsky picks avionics for S-61T

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SHELTON, Conn., Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Advanced avionics suites from by S-TEC Corp./Cobham Commercial Systems of Texas are to be outfitted on Sikorsky's modernized S-61T helicopters.

Sikorsky Aerospace Services, the aftermarket business of Sikorsky Aircraft, didn't disclose the potential value of the award to Cobham or the number of units to be produced by the Cobham company, but noted the U.S. Department of State in 2010 signed an agreement with Sikorsky for purchase of as many as 110 modernized S-61s.

"Sikorsky's S-61 helicopter has a 50-year legacy of reliably performing missions for the U.S. and foreign allied militaries," said John Johnson, SAS' director of Commercial Customer Support and S-61 Programs.

"With its rugged endurance, spaciousness, and lift capabilities, the modernized S-61 aircraft can be outfitted to meet a wide variety of requirements.

"We are pleased to work with Cobham, which has a solid reputation for innovation and system performance in harsh conditions."

The S-61 is the civilian version of the SH-3 Sea King used by the U.S. military. Decommissioned legacy S-61s are being converted into the modernized "T" version.

The new integrated avionics suite will include large-format synthetic vision flight displays, advanced flight management capability, integrated Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System, dual digital audio/radio control display units, dual VHF navigation and communication radios.