STRATFORD, Conn., 10 Dec. 2014. Indian Navy officials needed a multi-role helicopter for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare (ASW/ASuW), and to fulfill other maritime roles. They found their solution at Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) in Stratford, Conn.
Indian Navy officials are in negotiations with Sikorsky to procure 16 S-70B Seahawk helicopters, with an option for eight additional aircraft, as well as a complete logistics support and training program.
"India's selection of the S-70B helicopter represents a major strategic win for Sikorsky in an important growth market, and positions us well for future opportunities," Sikorsky Aircraft President Mick Maurer explains. "We look forward to a long-term collaboration with the Indian Government and local industry as we work to bring the Indian Navy the highly advanced multi-role S-70B aircraft."
The proposed Indian Navy S-70B variant helicopter will include avionics and flexible, open architecture Weapons Management Systems that integrate advanced sonar, 360-degree search radar, modern air-to-surface missiles, and torpedoes for the ASW role. A blade and tail fold capability will facilitate shipboard storage.
The S-70B aircraft will also enhance the Indian Navy's capabilities to perform non-combat maritime roles, including search and rescue, utility and external cargo lift, surveillance, and casualty evacuation.
Sikorsky has fielded increasingly more capable variants of the S-70B helicopter since 1984 for navies that prefer to acquire a modern, integrated ASW/ASuW platform direct from the manufacturer. Now operational in six countries (Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Latin America), the S-70B platform has a solid reputation for highly reliable shipboard operations and maintenance while operating aboard frigates and larger naval vessels.
The S-70B aircraft is part of Sikorsky's Seahawk helicopter family, including the SH-60 and MH-60 models, that has accumulated almost four million flight hours from more than 800 operational aircraft, and is considered one of the safest platforms available.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is an aircraft designer, manufacturer, and service provider. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
