STRATFORD, Conn., June 20 (UPI) -- Czech firm AERO Vodochody, a partner of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. of Connecticut, has completed its first UH-60-M Black Hawk helicopter cockpit.
Sikorsky awarded AERO Vodochody a contract in January 2010 to produce the cockpits as a second source for the newest Black Hawk model.
Production of the cockpit was marked by a ceremony last week at the AERO Vodochody facility in Odolena Voda, Czech Republic, which was attended by executives from the two countries and the U.S. Defense Contract Management Agency, which oversees day-to-day activities involving Sikorsky's military aircraft contracts with the U.S. government.
"Today marks a new phase in the long and successful relationship between Sikorsky Aircraft and AERO Vodochody," said Shane Eddy, vice president of Global Supply Chain for Sikorsky. "AERO Vodochody has distinguished itself as a reliable and quality driven supplier and we are proud to have taken this next step in furthering our cooperation."
Since December 2009, AERO Vodochody has performed at the Supplier Gold level, which is the highest designation awarded for customer-focused service, on-time delivery, and high-quality products under the United Technologies' Achieving Competitive Excellence operating system.
Sikorsky is a United Technologies company.
AERO Vodochody is the largest aerospace manufacturer in the Czech Republic, mainly focusing on cooperation with leading aerospace manufacturers in international aerostructures projects.
