“With each milestone our team was focused on producing an exceptional and unique product, while continuing to globalize our company. We are witnessing the growth of a new generation of internationally built Black Hawk helicopters ready to serve world markets.” 

While the second aircraft in the new line begins to accumulate production flight test hours, the first-ever S-70i Black Hawk helicopter recently completed flight testing in the United States and is being fitted out with options. The options that will be developed for the S-70i will enable customers to perform missions such as humanitarian relief, search and rescue, medical evacuation, command and control, and armed patrol. 

In addition, the next two aircraft in the S-70i Black Hawk helicopter program are in final assembly at PZL Mielec, with a fifth aircraft slated to begin production in December. Deliveries to the launch customer of the S-70i helicopter program are expected to begin in 2011. 

“For the employees of PZL Mielec, this first flight is the culmination of exceptional coordination with Sikorsky and dedication to our collective mission: to produce a remarkable new helicopter and continue the tradition of aircraft performance superiority,” said Janusz Zakrecki, CEO of PZL Mielec. “Beyond PZL Mielec, this milestone sends a much broader message: the new S-70i Black Hawk helicopter is here.”

In preparation for flight testing capabilities to be done at PZL Mielec, the company refurbished an existing hangar and paint shop to create a world-class facility that will be the production test flight hub for the S-70i Black Hawk helicopter program.