Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), has dropped at the Colombian Army two S-70i™ BLACK HAWK helicopters incorporating a Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS) as standard equipment. Colombia is the 1st country to field S-70i helicopters equipped with HTAWS, which Sikorsky has customized for the original requirements of the combat assault and utility missions.
“HTAWS will give military operators 360-degree situational awareness in low visibility, day or night, and at altitudes as little as 75 feet,” said Jennifer Caruso, Sikorsky Vp of Army and Air Force Programs. “As a brand new baseline capability for all S-70i BLACK HAWK aircraft, this high resolution system will enable aircrews to accomplish their demanding missions with greater safety and effectiveness.”
Sikorsky delivered both HTAWS-equipped S-70i helicopters to Colombian Army officials August 13 during a ceremony on the company’s Florida Assembly and Flight Operations facility in West Palm Beach. Colombian aircrew then flew the 2 aircraft to the military Special Operation Aviation Military base in Tolemaida, a distance of just about 3,000 nautical miles. The aircraft arrived August 29 after approximately 30 hours of flight.
Colombia is the 1st South American country to purchase the S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter variant, which Sikorsky first brought to a world military customer in 2010. These two aircraft will join five other S-70i helicopters in Colombia acquired in January.
Developed in collaboration with Sandel Avionics, the army HTAWS contains a dedicated sunlight-readable display compatible with night vision goggles located within the center of the S-70i aircraft’s instrument panel. Integrated with the aircraft’s dual GPS/INS system and digital map, radar altimeter, heading system and air data computer, the system displays the GPS location, together with terrain, roads, obstacles and transmission lines. Audible warnings via the aircraft’s internal communications system alert the pilots to obstacles. Pilots can adjust the system to at least one of 4 sensitivity modes — Normal, Low, Tactical, and Obstacles Only — designed to cut back false alerts when missions demand flight operations at increasingly closer proximity to the floor.
In addition to HTAWS, the Colombian S-70i aircraft also come equipped with a rescue hoist, an Integrated Vehicle Health Management System on the way to monitor the aircrafts’ engines, transmission and rotors, in addition to additional radios and other unique mission equipment. The contract includes ground support equipment, spares and technical training.
“The delivery of those two S-70i helicopters should help Colombia,” said Col. Felipe Sandoval. “These aircraft will not be simply machines, they’re the hope of our soldiers, families, and our country. I express my most sincere gratitude and due to your team that made this delivery possible.”
Sold directly by Sikorsky to international militaries and government agencies, the S-70i helicopter delivers an identical power and raise performance as S-70M BLACK HAWK aircraft. The S-70i model could be customized easily by Sikorsky to precise mission needs, to incorporate radar, ballistic protection, medical litters, extended range fuel tanks, an external rescue hoist, and load hook among other features.
Colombia is among the world’s largest operators of BLACK HAWK helicopters. As well as the seven S-70i aircraft acquired this year by the Colombian Army, the country’s National Police, Air Force and military also operate 96 UH-60L BLACK HAWK helicopters.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a worldwide leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and repair. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., USA, provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
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