HANGAR TALK
Sikorsky, U.S. Army Reach Novel Production Agreement for Black Hawk Helicopter to Accelerate U.S. and Allied Fielding
THE NATURAL WAY TO FLY
Sikorsky and the U.S. Army recently reached a Novel Production Agreement for BLACK HAWK® helicopters that enables the Army to add aircraft as requirements emerge. This is especially critical for allied nations as foreign military sales cases mature. The initial agreement covers 16 aircraft for the U.S. Army and is expected to increase by over 100 aircraft in the coming years.
The contract award comes earlier than the end of year objective previously published and reflects the Department of War and Lockheed Martin moving quickly to put in place an agile structure responsive to the dynamic acquisition environment. The
agreement production at Sikorsky
its 230-supplier, 43-state industrial base without interruption. “This contract is not only fast but flexible. We’ve come to this structure to give the Army flexibility as their needs and budget change year-to-year, while maintaining a vehicle that can support FMS demand. This agreement turns a partner-nation decision into aircraft on the ramp faster than conventional procurement allows,” said Rich Benton, Sikorsky vice president and general manager.
Head Up. Eyes Out.
and
The Black Hawk is the workhorse of the U.S. Army, the National Guard and militaries around the world. Soldiers fly it around the clock and around the globe on air-assault, medical-evacuation, disaster-response, and border-security missions. More than 5,000 Black Hawk helicopters have been delivered to more than 36 allied nations and have logged over 15 million flight hours (including approximately 5 million combat hours).
Put critical information where it belongs: in the pilot’s view. ClearVision®
guidance. Lightweight, wearable displays move with the pilot, supporting an intuitive, 360° view and the freedom of movement helicopter operations demand.
presents flight information in context with the world outside for visual sustains
Funds for these initial 16 aircraft come from Congressional appropriations in fiscal years 2025 and 2026, as well as revenue from the Black Hawk Exchange and Sales Transaction (BEST) Program. As the Army divests older aircraft through its BEST program, it is able to reinvest the proceeds into buying new aircraft. This allows the Army to buy new Black Hawks, supporting the American industrial base, without using taxpayer resources.
Fly head-up with ClearVision®
“This contract ensures we maintain a ready, modern and survivable rotary-wing capability for the Army and our allies. The Black Hawk has long been a vital part of the Army and National Guard’s flexibility and will continue to be so for the next half century,” said Col. Ryan Nesrsta, project manager for the Utility Helicopters Project Office.
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