Sikorsky delivers S-70i Black Hawk helicopter to Mexican state of Jalisco

Posted by Courtney E. HowardSTRATFORD, Conn., 3 Oct. 2011. Officials at Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), have delivered an S-70iBlack Hawk helicopter to Jalisco, which earned the distinction of being the first state government in Mexico to acquire the newest variant of the military utility aircraft. Jalisco state police will use the aircraft for general law enforcement, commencing with the XVI Pan American Games this month. The S-70i aircraft avionics include: a dual GPS/INS system with digital maps, providing accurate navigation and enhanced situational awareness; an active vibration control system, delivering a smooth overall ride; and a choice of user-specific navigation, communications, and other tactical equipment.

The S-70i aircraft arrived in Guadalajara on September 18 aboard an IL76 Cargo plane from Sikorsky's production facility in Mielec, Poland, less than four months after the state placed the order in late May 2011.

"The functionality and performance of this S-70i helicopter means that Jalisco now has a new and valuable tool to support our policing in the region," explains Luis Carlos Najera Guittierrez de Velasco, secretario de seguridad publica (secretary of public security) of Jalisco.

"Our ability to produce and directly export Black Hawk aircraft to international customers is an excellent way for national and state governments around the world to quickly acquire a helicopter platform renowned for its reliability, high performance and multi-role versatility," says Robert Mastronardi, S-70i senior program manager, Sikorsky Military Systems.

The Mexican Air Force, the Mexican Navy, and Federal Police operate 19 UH-60L and UH-60M Black Hawk aircraft. Sikorsky officials expect to deliver another three UH-60M aircraft to the Federal Police by early 2012.