Launch of the S-70i Black Hawk helicopter

The S-70iTM Black Hawk helicopter, the international variant of the Black Hawk, is on public display in Kielce, at the International Defence Industry Exhibition, which was officially opened by President of the Republic of Poland, Bronisław Komorowski, on 6th September. This helicopter was built at PZL Mielec, Sikorsky Aircraft's company in Poland.

There is another S-70i helicopter produced at the Polish company, the flight testing of which is being completed in the United States. The production facility in Mielec is expected to start flight testing operations by the end of the year. This year will also see the production of four S-70i helicopters, with 7 being planned to be built next year, and 20 to be ultimately produced annually in the following years. For a comparison, the US Army has placed an order for 1200 Battle Hawk helicopters.

"If the Ministry of National Defence invites bids for the purchase of helicopters for the Polish Armed Forces, we will definitely enter the contest with our new product – the S-70iTM Black Hawk helicopter,” said president of PZL Mielec, Janusz Zakręcki, at a press conference on 7th September.