Polish built S-70i makes first flight

The first Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk built by Poland’s PZL Mielec flies.

The first Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk built by Poland’s PZL Mielec made its first flight on November 15.

Based on the UH-60M Black Hawk, the S-70i is a customisable version designed for the international market and, apart from the first aircraft which was built at Sikorsky’s Hartford facility and first flew in July, all subsequent aircraft will be built by Sikorsky’s subsidiary, PZL.

“The S-70i Black Hawk helicopter program has been executed seamlessly and Sikorsky Aircraft celebrates this landmark moment,” Robert Mastronardi, Sikorsky’s S-70i senior program manager said. “With each milestone our team was focused on producing an exceptional and unique product, while continuing to globalise our company. Today, we are witnessing the growth of a new generation of internationally built Black Hawk helicopters ready to serve world markets.”

Deliveries are expected to commence in late 2011.