India goes with AW for new VIP aircraft
Filed under: Agusta Westland, Contract Awards, India, Military Aviation, Sikorsky, commercial aviation, production program
Like the US Navy, India awarded a contract to Augusta Westland for their new VIP transport helicopter. The contract is worth about $300 M. Sikorsky was one of the unsuccessful bidders with their S-92 aircraft. The EH-101 selected will offer a larger cabin, although it is a more expensive aircraft. US companies have been trying hard lately to break into the Indian market as that country has turned away from its traditional English and Russian suppliers. India has also made a great effort to begin developing a sophisticated, indigenous arm suppliers.
See The Hartford Courant article about this contract here.
Army awards option for UH-60 aircraft
Filed under: Contract Awards, Sikorsky, U.S. Army, production program
The Hartford Courant announced that Sikorsky was awarded a contract option for 6 UH-60M and 2 HH-60. This is probably a FMS option, but no details were given. Usually the full years of aircraft are bought in the Fall after Congress passes the Defense Appropriation Bill. An incremental award during the Fiscal Year may be due to FMS or the receipt of supplemental funding. A key part of any defense procurement contract is that the more you buy in a year the cheaper they are, so it also might be to get the Army a price break.
Connecticut politicians lobby for Sikorsky for VH-71 contract
Filed under: Contract Awards, Federal Budget Process, Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky, U.S. Navy, commercial aviation, development program
A group of 11 Congressman, mainly from Connecticut, wrote a letter to DoD asking for the Lockheed contract be canceled and put out for re-bid. See Hartford Courant for more. The hope is that Sikorsky will win the recompete. Read more





