Sikorsky's S-70i Prototype For Turkish Utility Helicopter Program

Lockheed Martin Sikorsky has transferred S-70i Black Hawk helicopter to Aselsan for use as prototype aircraft for Turkish Utility Helicopter Program (TUHP).

The TUHP program costs $3.5 billion for 109 T70 aircraft. The work to be performed by Sikorsky, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and other suppliers, the company announced today.

The aircraft will enable Sikorsky to integrate an Aselsan-developed avionics suite into Turkey's new T70 utility helicopter, and later into Turkish-built Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk aircraft to be sold internationally.

The Integrated Modular Avionics System (IMAS) avionics suite is a collaborative design by Aselsan, Sikorsky, TAI and pilots serving the Turkish Armed Forces.

TAI leads a team of Turkish aerospace companies that will build at least 109 helicopters with the T70 designation for the Turkish Utility Helicopter Program.

The IMAS suite is expected in time for initial deliveries of T70 aircraft to Turkish end users in 2021.

The Sikorsky-owned S-70i aircraft arrived at Aselsan facility in Ankara on February 25 after nine hours of flight from Sikorsky's PZL Mielec aircraft factory in southern Poland. During the 930nm journey, the aircraft crossed Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria with two fuel stops along the way.

ASELSAN and Sikorsky are co-developing the IMAS suite to provide Turkish pilots with smart displays, point-and-click functionality to speed input of pilot commands, and ergonomic enhancements to the Pilot Vehicle Interface that will reduce pilot workload.

Navigational improvements tailored to Turkish requirements will include an integrated Terrain Avoidance Warning System, an integrated advanced digital map, and coupled flight control functions for guided approaches to landing zones.