On July 20/06, the US DSCA announced [PDF format] Saudi Arabia’s official request to buy 24 UH-60L Utility/Assault Black Hawk helicopters, spare and repair parts, communications and support equipment, publications and technical data, personnel training and training equipment, contractor engineering and technical support services and other related elements of logistics support. The UH-60L Black Hawk is currently the USA’s mainstay utility helicopter, serving in various configurations in all operating theaters and theaters of war; the upgraded UH-60M is just entering low-rate production.

Now, that has turned into an actual contract…

The original DSCA release stated that the total value could be as high as $350 million, and added:

“Saudi forces have used rotary wing assets in numerous anti-terrorism operations within their borders and view their ability to quickly move troops around the country as a critical capability. The helicopters will allow Saudi Arabia to exercise a more flexible and maintainable operation for the protection of critical infrastructure.”

United Technologies subsidiary Sikorsky and General Electric (engines) will be the principal contractors. Though Saudi Arabia already operates the S-70-A1L Black Hawk, implementation will require the assignment of one Contract Field Support Representative to Saudi Arabia for up to 2 years, and will require the assignment of several U.S. Government Quality Assurance Teams to Saudi Arabia when the aircraft arrive in country.

UPDATES

Aug 5/06: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in Stratford, CT received a $286 million firm-fixed-price contract for UH-60L helicopters, to include technical support, technical publication and Ground Station Radios for Royal Saudi Land Forces.

Work will be performed in Stratford, CT and is expected to be complete by Sept 30/11. There was 1 bid solicited on Oct 4/2000. The contract will be managed by US Army Aviation and Missile Command in Redstone Arsenal, AL (DAAH23-02-C-0006).