Sikorsky and PZL Mielec Unveil Cutting-Edge M28 Aircraft for Ecuador’s Armed Forces
An M28 short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft manufactured by PZL Mielec, a facility in Poland owned by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), has successfully arrived in Ecuador after a trans-Atlantic flight from Poland. This aircraft, delivered five months after the contract was signed, is designed to fulfill the Ecuadorian Army’s demand for a reliable multi-role transport aircraft capable of operating in varied climates and terrains.
The Ecuadorian Army placed their order for the M28 aircraft in April of this year. PZL Mielec provided comprehensive training for Army pilots and mechanics, while a Polish crew expertly piloted the aircraft over a distance of 13,500 km. The flight route included stops in Iceland and Greenland before crossing the Atlantic Ocean to Canada, the United States, and finally Central America, landing at Shell Mera in Ecuador. Here, the aircraft was officially accepted by the Army.
“The M28 aircraft’s powerful turboprop engines, spacious cabin with clamshell rear door, and robust airframe ensure that the Ecuadorian Army has a versatile STOL platform for executing various missions in different climates,” noted Adam Schierholz, Sikorsky’s regional executive for Latin America. “We are pleased to welcome Ecuador into the M28 family.”
The M28 aircraft stands out as a durable and efficient STOL solution, capable of taking off and landing on runways or airstrips that are inaccessible for other aircraft. Its operational capabilities extend to extreme environmental conditions, handling temperatures from +50° C to -50° C.
Globally, over 100 M28 aircraft are in service, utilized in both commercial and military configurations. These aircraft serve numerous purposes, including passenger transport, parachutist training, border patrol, and fisheries oversight. The Polish Air Force, for instance, employs the M28 Bryza variant for both maritime and transport missions.
Weighing in at 7,500 kg (16,500 pounds), the M28 can be outfitted with 19 passenger seats or can transport up to 2,300 kg (5,000 pounds) of cargo. Additionally, it can conduct parachute missions through its rear cabin door.
