Sikorsky transfers S-70i helicopter to Aselsan for Turkish utility helicopter program development

ANKARA

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has said it transferred to defense electronics firm Aselsan an S-70i Black Hawk helicopter for use as the prototype aircraft for the Turkish Utility Helicopter Program (TUHP), in a statement on March 2. 

The aircraft will enable Sikorsky to integrate an Aselsan-developed avionics suite into Turkey’s new T70 utility helicopter, and later into Turkish-built Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk aircraft to be sold internationally, according to the statement. 

Dubbed the Integrated Modular Avionics System (IMAS), the new avionics suite is a collaborative design by Aselsan, Sikorsky, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and pilots serving the Turkish Armed Forces to meet the requirements of Turkish T70 operators and other potential customers.

TAI leads a team of Turkish aerospace companies that will build at least 109 helicopters with the T70 designation for the Turkish Utility Helicopter Program. The IMAS suite is expected in time for initial deliveries of T70 aircraft to Turkish end-users in 2021.

“Delivery of this S-70i prototype fulfills a major milestone for the Turkish Utility Helicopter Program, and signals our continued close collaboration with Aselsan and the other aerospace companies led by TAI,” said Sikorsky President Dan Schultz.
 
“The employees of Sikorsky are honored that the largest international industrialization project in our 93-year history will help all the end-users fulfill their requirements for a modern utility helicopter based on the Black Hawk aircraft, while adding Turkish-developed avionics technology to further distinguish this proven platform,” he added. 

The Sikorsky-owned S-70i aircraft arrived at the Aselsan facility in Ankara on Feb. 25 after nine hours of flight from Sikorsky’s PZL Mielec aircraft factory in southern Poland, according to the statement. 

During the journey, the aircraft crossed Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria with two fuel stops along the way.

Sikorsky TUHP Program Director Jason Lambert presented the aircraft’s keys to Aselsan’s president and CEO, Faik Eken, during a March 1 arrival ceremony, it said. 

Among attendees were officials from the Turkish government’s Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM), the Turkish defense industry, Sikorsky, and an international diplomatic delegation with missions in Ankara.

ASELSAN and Sikorsky are co-developing the IMAS suite to provide Turkish pilots with powerful smart displays, point-and-click functionality to speed input of pilot commands, and ergonomic enhancements to the Pilot Vehicle Interface that will reduce pilot workload. Navigational improvements tailored to Turkish requirements will include an integrated Terrain Avoidance Warning System, an integrated advanced digital map, and coupled flight control functions for guided approaches to landing zones.