Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/901315
foreseen. The core values of new helicopters are extended lift and day and night operations capability. The contract was signed in summer and currently the helicopters are in final assembly stage. There are another non-military S-70i in the pipeline – one helicopter will be delivered for Mexican Policia Federal. On 6th August 2017 media in California informed that California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) selected winner procurement program for twelve rescue and firefighting helicopters to replace aging Bell UH-1 Hueys which were bought from DOD overstocks in 1990. Two bidders took part in the program: Sikorsky and Air Methods with S-70i Black Hawk International (assembled in Poland) and Leonardo Helicopters with AW189. CAL FIRE decided to go with Black Hawks (with option for another helicopters) which will be build in Poland in the basic variant and will be retrofitted by Air Methods in United States. CAL FIRE wanted to On 20th July 2017 media in California announced that Los Angeles County Fire Department will purchase two S-70i Black Hawk International multi-role helicopters which will be assembled in Poland. The decision of purchase was announced after a selection process based on Los Angeles County firefighters requirements. Currently their aviation has eight helicopters – five Bell 412 and three S-70A Firehawk with under-belly 3800 liters water tank system. Firehawks are known as best and most effective firefighting asset in the County's resources. Purchase of new S-70i helicopters was approved by County's Council and will cost max. 29.4M US dollars including crews training. S-70i in firefighting variant will also serve for rescue, medical evacuation, and external lift of bulky cargo and equipment and they can carry up to 15 person. The new helicopters will replace Bell 412 in service (Bell 412 were delivered in 1992 and they have approx. 7870 flight hours). In future, purchase of another batch of S-70i is www.fragoutmag.com