Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) and PZL Mielec – Polish manufacturer of the S-70i™ BLACK HAWK helicopter – announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Wojskowe Centralne Biuro Konstrukcyjno – Technologiczne (WCBKT) to explore how WCBKT could supply Ground Support Equipment to sustain a fleet of S-70i™ helicopters in Poland. Any future collaboration will depend in large part on Poland’s Ministry of Defence acquiring the PZL-Mielec-built S-70i™ helicopter for its armed forces. The MOU is one of three such documents signed this week with Polish companies.
For over 30 years, WCBKT has focused on the development and manufacture of modern equipment for the Polish Army. Under the terms of the MOU, WCBKT will work with Sikorsky to potentially become an approved supplier of Ground Support Equipment (GSE), and potentially also for S-70i™ BLACK HAWK helicopters operating in Europe.
“WCBKT’s extensive experience in the production of aircraft ground support equipment for military use and their research and development capabilities offers the level of quality products and services we look for in partnering with an international company,” said Frank DiPasquale, SAS Vice President of Sales and Strategic Relationships “Our aftermarket expertise coupled with the synergy of local support companies will provide comprehensive in-country capabilities should Poland’s Ministry of Defence select the S-70i™ helicopter for their military needs. This MOU aligns with our goal to provide comprehensive support solutions where our customers operate.”
This year, the Polish Ministry of Defence is expected to release a tender for multi-role helicopters followed by a contract award in late 2013. Sikorsky will offer the Polish-built S-70i aircraft, a customizable variant of the BLACK HAWK helicopter flown by militaries in 25 countries.
"This agreement is an important stage in our strategy of the Black Hawk helicopter’s Polonization. It demonstrates our openness for collaboration with other local companies,” said Janusz Zakręcki, President, PZL Mielec.
“The cooperation between WCBKT and Sikorsky will create new opportunities for our company for broader presentation of our products worldwide, everywhere Sikorsky provides its helicopters,” said Artur Kolosowski, President of WCBKT.
Sikorsky Aerospace Services and PZL Mielec announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ETC-PZL Aerospace Industries Ltd. (ETC-PZL), the Polish subsidiary of Environmental Tectonics Corporation. The MOU will examine how ETC-PZL could provide aircrew and maintenance training should Poland’s Ministry of Defence acquire Polish-built S-70i&™ BLACK HAWK helicopters for its armed forces. The MOU is one of three such documents signed this week with Polish companies.
Under the terms of the MOU, Sikorsky will discuss with ETC-PZL how its training and related logistics and maintenance support of simulators and training devices could be applied to any future acquisition of S-70i&™ helicopters by the Polish Ministry of Defence. ETC-PZL produces digital cockpit flight simulators and training devices as well as high level truck, bus and locomotive driver’s simulators.
“Known for implementing new and innovative technologies, ETC-PZL is a key provider of aircraft simulators and training programs. This MOU is an important step in strengthening our future support capabilities in Poland,” said Frank DiPasquale, SAS Vice President of Sales and Strategic Relationships. “Poland is a key component of our long-term international strategy to meet worldwide demand for Sikorsky products and services.”
This year, the Polish Ministry of Defence is expected to release a tender for multi-role helicopters followed by a contract award in late 2013. Sikorsky will offer the Polish-built S-70i&™ aircraft, a customizable variant of the BLACK HAWK helicopter flown by militaries in 25 countries.
“ETC-PZL is very proud to have the possibility to partner with Sikorsky and PZL Mielec to create the new quality in helicopter simulation training systems in Poland. ETC-PZL hopes that this program will start a long-term successful cooperation in that area,” said Anna Brzozowska Chief Executive Officer, ETC-PZL.
“We have initiated a plan to bring together Polish companies and institutions that could be engaged in the development of the S-70i&™ helicopter program in Poland. This is our strategic goal for the coming months,” said Janusz Zakręcki, President, PZL Mielec.
Sikorsky Aerospace Services and PZL Mielec – manufacturer of S-70i™ BLACK HAWK helicopters in Poland announce they have signed a Letter of Intent with Poland’s principal maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) company Wojskowe Zaklady Lotnicze NR 1 S.A. (WZL 1). The agreement relates to a Polish Government decision to procure up to 26 S-70i multi-role helicopters made in Mielec for the Polish armed forces.
Founded in 1947, WZL 1 is Poland’s leading provider of aviation maintenance and overhaul services. Under the terms of the agreement, PZL Mielec, SAS and WZL 1 will explore ways that WZL 1 could offer its expertise in line, base and component maintenance and upgrades, as well as other general MRO services, to support a future helicopter procurement by the Polish Ministry of Defence. The Letter of Intent also addresses the proposal to establish a regional MRO center in Poland to support other BLACK HAWK operators.
“As a leading MRO provider with expertise supporting the Polish armed forces, WZL 1 is well established to provide in-country support for the BLACK HAWK helicopter,” said Frank DiPasquale, SAS Vice President of Sales and Strategic Relationships. “We are also excited that WZL 1 could also serve as a central base for regional support of our BLACK HAWK fleet.
This year, the Polish Ministry of Defence is expected to release a tender for multi-role helicopters followed by a contract award in late 2013. Sikorsky will offer the Polish-built S-70i aircraft, a customizable variant of the BLACK HAWK helicopter flown by militaries in 25 countries.
“The potential production of S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopters in Mielec for the Polish Armed Forces brings an opportunity to grow the entire Polish aviation industry,” said Janusz Zakrecki, President of PZL Mielec. “To work with WZL 1 will be a positive move as we seek to expand our network of partners, and develop local suppliers.”
"Acquisition of new helicopter platform for Polish Ministry of Defence gives us opportunity for further development and becoming a modern company. WZL-1 is open to cooperate with any potential partner, which will be a supplier of a new helicopter for PMOD. It will be an honor to cooperate with SAC" said Jan Piętowski, Chairman of the Board of WZL-1.”
Polskie Zakłady Lotnicze Sp. z o.o. (PZL Mielec) is the largest aircraft manufacturer in Poland. Since acquiring the company in 2007, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation has invested US$125 million to modernize the facility and grow the Polish workforce by 40 percent to almost 2,100 employees. Today, PZL Mielec manufactures the S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter for export to militaries and governments worldwide.
About Sikorsky Aerospace Services
Sikorsky Aerospace Services provides comprehensive support to rotary and fixed wing aircraft throughout the world. It offers its military and commercial operators a full portfolio of support services, including material distribution, maintenance, overhaul & repair, aircraft modifications and life-cycle support. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.