Denver, May 23, 2018 – United Rotorcraft, a division of Air Methods, and Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martincompany,todayreceivedapurchaseorderfromtheCaliforniaDepartmentofForestryand Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) for the acquisition of a new Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk aircraft, to be modified into FIREHAWK® firefighting configuration by United Rotorcraft. This aircraft will be the latest firefighting tool put into service with CAL FIRE to protect property and the citizens of California.
The purchase order follows a decision by the California Assembly and Senate budget subcommittees approving the budget for up to 12 of the aircraft to replace the state’s agingUH-
1H fleet over the next five years. The Sikorsky manufactured S-70 is based on the legendary Black Hawk military helicopter, and is uniquely equipped to endure the unrelenting physical stresses demanded of the aerial firefighting and utility missions.
The FIREHAWK features next generation technology, which will provide substantial benefit to firefighting operators. Features include wide chord rotor blades for increased payload and maneuverability, a rugged airframe, digital glass cockpit with flight management system for improved situation awareness and precision hover capability using an enhanced global positioning system and an inertial navigation system. An Integrated Vehicle Health Management Systemmonitorstheaircraft’soperationalhealthforpreventivemaintenancetodetectanomalies for earlymaintenance.
“IgorSikorskyfoundedourcompanywiththevisionofsavinglives,”saidJeanetteEaton,Sikorsky regionalsalesexecutivefortheUnitedStatesandCanada.“Onadailybasis,themenandwomen of CAL FIRE put themselves in harm’s way to protect and save property, homes and lives. We arehonoredtohavebeenselectedasthebestequippedaircrafttoaddressCalifornia’sfirefighting needs and provide the overall best value. Even more so, we are humbled to play a role in their demanding mission and fulfilling Igor’svision.”
Once assembled, the aircraft are modified by United Rotorcraft with a 1,000-gallon (3,785-liter) water tank equipped with a unique snorkel system for 60-second tank refill, extended landing gear, single pilot cockpit layout and a medically equipped interior, all of which arm the aircraft for its role as a multi-mission firefighting tool.
“UnitedRotorcraftandSikorskyarehonoredtosupportCALFIRE’sstewardshipofover31million acresthroughoutCalifornia,”saidMikeSlattery,presidentofUnitedRotorcraft.“Asseasonshave become longer and more severe, it’s crucial that California has these high-performance FIREHAWK helicopters, which allow initial attack capabilities that can knock down fires early before they spreadwidely.”
Customers can order aircraft with mission specific kits and accessories customized to specific preferences. For more information, visit the Sikorsky FIREHAWKwebsite.
United Rotorcraft, an Air Methods division, (www.unitedrotorcraft.com) specializes in the design and manufacture of aeromedical and aerospace technology. United Rotorcraft offers a full range of completion, paint, and MRO services and products for Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement, Utility, VIP, and Military operators.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
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