Sikorsky Teams Up with Aselsan to Supercharge Turkey’s S-70i™ Helicopter Development
ANKARA, Turkey — Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, has officially transferred an S-70i Black Hawk helicopter to Aselsan, a prominent defense electronics firm. This helicopter will serve as a prototype for the Turkish Utility Helicopter Program (TUHP), facilitating the integration of an advanced avionics suite developed by Aselsan into Turkey’s new T70 utility helicopter. Additionally, this integration will extend to Turkish-manufactured Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk aircraft planned for international sales.
The avionics suite, named the Integrated Modular Avionics System (IMAS), is the result of a collaborative effort involving Aselsan, Sikorsky, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), and pilots from the Turkish Armed Forces. Designed to meet the specific requirements of Turkish T70 operators and other potential international customers, IMAS promises to enhance the operational capabilities of these helicopters.
Under the leadership of TAI, a consortium of Turkish aerospace companies is tasked with the production of at least 109 helicopters bearing the T70 designation for the TUHP. Initial deliveries of T70 aircraft to Turkish end-users are slated for 2021, coinciding with the expected rollout of the IMAS suite.
“The delivery of this S-70i prototype marks a significant achievement for the Turkish Utility Helicopter Program,” stated Sikorsky President Dan Schultz. “We take great pride in our enduring partnership with Aselsan and the aerospace community led by TAI. This initiative is pivotal as it supports end-users in acquiring a modern utility helicopter based on the proven Black Hawk platform, enhanced by indigenous avionics technology.”
The Sikorsky-owned S-70i aircraft made its journey to Aselsan’s facility in Ankara on February 25, completing a 930 nautical mile flight from the Sikorsky’s PZL Mielec plant in Poland. The aircraft traversed through Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria, with two refueling stops along the way.
On March 1, the aircraft’s keys were ceremoniously handed over by Sikorsky TUHP Program Director Jason Lambert to Aselsan President and CEO Dr. Faik EKEN. The event was attended by high-ranking officials from the Turkish Government’s Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM), key stakeholders in the Turkish defense sector, as well as a diplomatic delegation representing various missions in Ankara.
In a strategic partnership, ASELSAN and Sikorsky are jointly developing the IMAS suite, which aims to provide Turkish pilots with enhanced smart displays, point-and-click command functionality, and ergonomic design improvements to the Pilot Vehicle Interface. These upgrades are set to streamline pilot workload and include navigational enhancements tailored for Turkish operations, such as an integrated Terrain Avoidance Warning System, advanced digital mapping, and coupled flight control functions for streamlined approaches to landing zones.
The TUHP is projected to be valued at approximately $3.5 billion, encompassing the acquisition of 109 T70 aircraft, and includes contributions from Sikorsky, TAI, and other partners.
The strong, strategic partnership between Lockheed Martin and Turkey, a vital NATO ally, has thrived for over three decades. Lockheed Martin’s collaborative projects with the Turkish industry have consistently aimed to address national security needs while also providing employment opportunities and bolstering the national economy.
