Sikorsky Global Helicopters today announced preparations for delivery of the first two military S-434 helicopters to the Saudi Ministry of Interior (MOI).
These two aircraft signify the beginning of the Saudi MOI light helicopter fleet, which will total nine aircraft upon contract completion. In addition to the aircraft, Sikorsky Global Helicopters will provide a complete logistical support package including spare parts, special tools, factory training for pilots and mechanics and in-country technical support and pilot instructor. The procedural IFR-equipped aircraft will be configured for both training and patrol missions.
“With these deliveries, the S-434 helicopter will turn a page in its early history, since these are the first military versions of this aircraft,” said David Horton, General Manager of Sikorsky Global Helicopter’s Light Helicopter Division, located in Horseheads, N.Y. “We are proud to begin this partnership with the MOI and look forward to the further growth of this product line.”
The S-434 helicopter models are the next iteration of the S-333 helicopter model, incorporating many of the design and performance technologies developed on the Fire Scout VTUAV (Vertical Takeoff Unmanned Aerial Vehicle).
The model 333 operates throughout the world in many demanding missions including law enforcement patrol, commercial and military flight training, power line/pipeline patrol, personal use and lift operations.
Inherited advantages of the 333 helicopter design ensure that benefits such as a cockpit layout with excellent visibility from all crew positions, superior flight handling characteristics, and exceptional safety and crashworthiness features are retained.
These benefits, combined with the ease of maintenance and reliability that are designed into every component, make the new S-434 helicopter an exceptional value single-turbine helicopter.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., USA, provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
