U.S. Department of State Orders Three Additional Upgraded S-61 Helicopters

photo US Navy

November 9, 2011 defpro.com

SHELTON, Conn. | Sikorsky Aerospace Services announced that the U.S. Department of State (DoS) has ordered three additional upgraded S-61 utility helicopters, bringing the total number purchased by DoS to 29 aircraft to date. Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) is the aftermarket division of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.

"The S-61 helicopter is known as an industry workhorse and for decades has reliably performed missions for U.S. and foreign allied militaries. The upgraded S-61 helicopter can be outfitted to meet a wide variety of requirements, and we believe it provides 'best-in-class-value' for a mid-size, multi-mission helicopter. In December 2010, we proudly delivered the first upgraded S-61 aircraft to the U.S. State Department for passenger and cargo transport missions," said John Johnson, Director, S-61 Programs.

The three aircraft will transport diplomatic personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan. Building on the S-61 helicopter's 50-year legacy of dependability, SAS initiated the S-61 Upgrade Program in early 2010. As Sikorsky's launch customer, the DoS has entered into a five-year IQ (indefinite quantity) agreement with the option to purchase up to 110 upgraded S-61 aircraft. This IQ purchase agreement serves as the contracting vehicle for any U.S. government agency to purchase upgraded S-61 aircraft.

The upgraded S-61 helicopters will undergo a full structural refurbishment with all major dynamic components zero-timed and key upgrades provided, including new composite main rotor blades (CMRB) and a survivability suite. The customer can select additional options such as a state-of-the-art glass cockpit and crashworthy primary and auxiliary fuel systems.