Aircraft

Sikorsky and Aero Vodochody have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore aerospace industry co-operation in central and eastern Europe.

The move comes as the companies mark the roll-out of the 250th S-76 helicopter airframe off the production line at Aero Vodochody's Prague, Czech Republic base. "The 250th unit completed in our company represents a great milestone in our mutual co-operation. The S-76 helicopter airframe production is the largest programme of our company in the field of aerostructures, which represent a key part of our current strategy," says Aero Vodochody president Igor Hulak.

Sikorsky has become accustomed over the years to creating European ventures having appointed Aero Vodochody to supply S-76 airframes nine years ago.

© Sikorsky

This contract includes detail part fabrication, airframe assembly, installation of hydraulic, electronic and fuel systems and avionics, and, following ground tests of the installed systems, management of more than 200 suppliers.

Helicopter airframes are transported from Aero Vodochody by land to Germany, and then shipped to the USA where they undergo completion at Sikorsky's Hartford, Connecticut base. The United Technologies subsidiary appointed Poland's PZL Mielec in 2007 as an affiliate responsible for the manufacture the S-70 Black Hawk helicopter.

Sikorsky says "it is also actively exploring business opportunities with strategic European partners for component manufacturing and service centres for the entire Sikorsky product line".