Turkey Signs MoU for 12 S-70 Seahawks
Sikorsky Aircraft recently announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Turkey for 12 new S-70B Seahawk helicopters to bring its fleet total to 20, plus an option for 5 additional helicopters. First deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2008. While a price was not disclosed, GlobalSecurity.org notes that H-60 variants tend to cost between $6-12 million each.
The S-70B helicopter is an international derivative of the U.S. Navy SH-60B Seahawk. It has a fully integrated glass cockpit with smart multifunction liquid crystal displays and a mission management system. Its flexible mission package includes dipping sonar, ESM, FLIR, multi-mode radar, ASE, and Penguin and Hellfire missiles. Multi-mission capable, the S-70B can perform Search and Rescue (SAR), Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), surveillance, Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), and utility missions.
Sikorsky has marketed the S-70 to various militaries around the world. Spain, Japan, Australia, Greece, Taiwan, Thailand and Turkey fly naval variants. Army variants are flown by Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brunei, China/Hong Kong, Columbia, Czechoslovakia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and others. Japan produces both versions under license, and Turkey and South Korea co-produce S-70s as well.
Sikorsky is also under contract to deliver six S-70B Seahawk helicopters to Singapore beginning in 2008.
Additional Readings and Sources
- Sikorsky News Release
- Naval-Technology.com – S-70B Seahawk Naval Helicopter, USA
- Vector Site – [2.0] Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk / Variant Summary (and list of international orders)
- GlobalSecurity.org – Sikorsky S-70 International Black Hawk (and list of customers)
