Romania to modernize Black Hawk helicopters
Several companies operating in the national defense industry will help assemble, equip and maintain the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopters
Corina Cristea, 15.03.2018, 14:17
Based on a partnership agreement signed on Wednesday in Bucharest with Sikorsky Aircraft, part of the global defense and security group Lockheed Martin, US Black Hawk utility helicopters will undergo reconditioning, maintenance and modernization at Romaero Baneasa, Bucharest, which will become a unique center for Central Europe.
Romaero Baneasa director Remus Vulpescu gave more details: “Its a great success, we are very pleased. Its the result of nearly a year of hard work, but finally Romaero has been designated a unique center in Central Europe charged with equipping, reconditioning and modernizing Black Hawk helicopters in several countries, from Poland to Turkey. We will have a high number of aircraft coming to our center, which is telling of a good export potential.
The center in Baneasa will bring together the efforts of several segments of the Romanian industry, Remus Vulpescu told us: “The modernization efforts performed at our center will account for the largest share of the final sale value, both for the mission-ready helicopters of Romania and of other countries in Central Europe. All helicopters will subsequently undergo maintenance in Romania. This will entail a high number of jobs, a good opportunity for young people to advance in their career. I want to highlight another aspect: the lifespan of a Black Hawk helicopter will be 2050.
The Black Hawk aircraft can be configured to serve in 17 different types of missions which can be carried out irrespective of season. It offers reference capabilities in spec ops, various combat missions, search and save operations, transport and logistics support in theatres of operations, as well as missions devoted to emergency situations, natural calamities and humanitarian aid.
Black Hawk helicopters can also be fitted for top-level protocol. Its really fast and can carry a large number of passengers. Its armor plating can withstand shots ranging from small weapons up to 23-mm cannons. Sikorsky VP Eric Schreiber attended the signing ceremony, saying that the center will be an opportunity both for the company he represents, as well as for Romaero.
