United Rotorcraft looks forward to receiving S-70 Black Hawk Helicopters from PZL Mielec Share On... by United Rotorcraft posted October 05, 2021 KIELCE, Poland – September 7, 2021 – United Rotorcraft, a division of Air Methods Corporation, isexcited to grow its partnership with PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company, which manufactures the S70™ Black Hawk® helicopter. When equipped by United Rotorcraft with a water tank system, customcabin interior, and cockpit controls, the resulting FIREHAWK® aircraft has become a symbol of aerialfirefighting excellence in the United States. “United Rotorcraft has the highest confidence in the workforce at PZL Mielec to produce and deliver thehigh performance S-70 helicopter,” said United Rotorcraft President Larry Alexandre. “As the onlyFIREHAWK completion center approved by Sikorsky, United Rotorcraft can confirm that firefighters inCalifornia are delighted with the craftsmanship of their S-70 aircraft and the ability to safely andefficiently attack wildfires.” On 26 August, United Rotorcraft announced a contract award to Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company,for five S-70 Black Hawk aircraft. PZL Mielec will deliver all five aircraft to United Rotorcraft from early2022 to mid-2023. United Rotorcraft anticipates all five will become FIREHAWK aircraft. To date, thecompany has a confirmed order to modify one of the five aircraft for aerial firefighting — to the State ofColorado. Alexandre said there is significant interest by government agencies in the Western United States andinternationally for the FIREHAWK capability. “In anticipation of future orders, and knowing there is anurgent need to deliver this capability quickly, United Rotorcraft is taking the unusual step of contractingwith Sikorsky for five S-70 aircraft when only one aircraft has been ordered,” he said. Since 2019, United Rotorcraft has modified and delivered 10 Polish-built S-70 aircraft to Californiafirefighters. Two of these FIREHAWK aircraft are serving with the Los Angeles County Fire Department,seven with the State of California (CAL FIRE), and one with the City of San Diego Fire-Rescuedepartment. Four more S-70 aircraft from Poland are in various stages of FIREHAWK modification at theUnited Rotorcraft facility near Denver, Colorado. The twelfth and final aircraft ordered by CAL FIRE is onthe PZL Mielec Black Hawk production line. “The employees at PZL Mielec take great satisfaction in knowing that their efforts to build S-70 aircraftfor wildland firefighting are saving lives, and protecting property and forestry,” said Janusz Zakręcki, PZLMielec president and general director. “The military pedigree of the Black Hawk platform is ideal for thetask of aggressively attacking wildfires. We thank United Rotorcraft and Sikorsky for their collaborativework with California fire departments to produce yet another outstanding mission capability for themulti-role Black Hawk helicopter.” PRESS RELEASE7301 South Peoria | Englewood, CO 80112 | 303.792.7400United Rotorcraft adds a 3,785-liter (1,000-gallon) external water tank to the belly of the S-70 aircraft,extended landing gear to accommodate the tank, and a retractable snorkel that can refill the tank inless than one minute. Other modifications can include a rescue hoist, seating to transport up to 12 fullyequipped ground firefighters, and medical equipment. United Rotorcraft EMEA Sales Manager Alexandra Slabutu will attend MSPO 2021. She can be contactedat *protected email*. About United RotorcraftUnited Rotorcraft, a division of Air Methods Corporation, (www.unitedrotorcraft.com) specializes in thedesign, manufacture and installation of ground and aerial mission critical equipment for front lineworkers, from firefighting and law enforcement, to HEMS and Medevac.MEDIA CONTACT: For more information about the FIREHAWK® aircraft and/or United Rotorcraft, pleasecontact *protected email*, or Ramy Nasralla at *protected email*.