STRATFORD, Conn., Sept. 17 (UPI) -- The final two of 15 Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters are expected to be delivered to the U.S. Army this month for Sweden.
Sweden ordered the helicopters, which will support its deployment of troops and assets to Afghanistan, through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program. The aircraft were produced at a record pace.
"We have worked closely with the U.S. Army to meet the accelerated delivery requirements of the FMV (the Swedish Defense Material Agency) about 18 months ahead of a typical production schedule," said John Palumbo, Sikorsky Aircraft's vice president for Army UH-60 aircraft. "We're very satisfied with the accomplishment."
Sweden plans to deploy three Black Hawks next year to Afghanistan, where it is part of the International Security Assistance Force.
Sikorsky said the aircraft are all equipped with an advanced flight control system, full night vision capability and advanced communications gear. The U.S. Army is adding an exterior rescue hoist, gunner seats, armored floor, stackable litters, a cockpit heater and environmental control system.
