US helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky, maker of Black Hawk transport helicopters, is considering the possible integration of avionics systems manufactured by Elbit Systems, into plans for upgrading such helicopters outside the United States. "Globes" heard this from Sikorsky president Eugene Buckley, currently visiting Israel.
Since 1980, the company has supplied 425 helicopters of this type, including to the Israel Air Force. Early prototype helicopters have become obsolete, especially in the fields of combat and avionics systems. According to Buckley, Elbit’s systems, especially the fire control systems, are currently being examined by company teams, which are putting together upgrade plans.
Elbit started dealing with helicopter upgrades in recent years. The company supplied avionics systems to the Romanian military’s Puma helicopter upgrade project and armaments and night vision systems to US Army and Marines helicopters.
Some of the countries that have purchased Black Hawks are evidently barred to Israeli systems, if these are chosen in the upgrade offered by Sikorsky. Such countries include Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
Buckley will meet this week with defence establishment and IDF concerns, and says he will discuss a possible further deal whereby IAF will acquire a 25-piece squadron of Black Hawk helicopters. The supply of fifteen such helicopters to the IDF is presently being completed, under a $110 million deal.
Published by Israel's Business Arena July 15, 1998