Sikorsky, India to negotiate naval helocopter buy

STRATFORD, Conn., Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Sikorsky Aircraft reports it is to begin negotiations with India to provide the country with more than a dozen S-70B Seahawk helicopters.

The contract to be negotiated after India's selection of the Seahawk for its naval needs will cover 16 helicopters , training and logistics support. The contract would also contain a provision for procurement of an additional eight aircraft, the company said.

"India's selection of the S-70B helicopter represents a major strategic win for Sikorsky in an important growth market, and positions us well for future opportunities," said Mick Maurer, president of Sikorsky Aircraft. "We look forward to a long-term collaboration with the Indian government and local industry as we work to bring the Indian Navy the highly advanced multi-role S-70B aircraft."

Sikorsky said the proposed Indian Navy S-70B variant will include advanced avionics, open-architecture weapons management systems with integrated sonar and radar, and air-to-surface missiles and torpedoes.

The S-70B has a maximum speed of 224 mph and a range of 250 nautical miles.