Rendering of the Firehawk that will provide
the city of San Diego Fire Department an essential, multi-mission helicopter to
protect the lives and property of San Diego’s citizens. Lockheed Martin Photo
Posted on December
19, 2017; Lockheed Martin Press Release
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, received notice that
the city of San Diego intends to award a contract for one S-70i Black Hawk
helicopter in a baseline configuration. The San Diego City Council voted on
Dec. 13, 2017 to approve the purchase.
A Firehawk helicopter performs aerial firefighting and
additionally, can plan missions and direct other firefighting aircraft, and
provide emergency medical service transport, search-and-rescue, and logistic
support.
Once modified by a specialist outfitter in 2018, it will
be equipped with a 1,000-gallon (3,785-liter) water tank, extended landing
gear, single pilot cockpit layout and a medically-equipped interior.
Brian Fennessy, fire chief for the city of San Diego,
said the Firehawk configuration of the Black Hawk is the most capable
multi-mission, firefighting helicopter available, with proven military grade
capabilities. “Fires are spreading faster and getting larger. The need for
aircraft to carry more water has become critical,” he added.
Compared to L.A. County’s three existing S-70A model
Firehawk aircraft, the S-70i variant includes wide chord rotor blades for
increased payload and maneuverability, enhanced engine power, a stronger
airframe, a digital cockpit with flight management system for enhanced
situation awareness, and an Integrated Vehicle Health Management System to
monitor the aircraft’s operational health.
Among improved safety features, the S-70i aircraft
includes a terrain and obstacle avoidance system that alerts aircrew to the
proximity of potential hazards on the ground.
“When configured for its aerial firefighting mission, the
Firehawk helicopter will give the city of San Diego a state-of-the-art platform
proven to fight fires from the air and perform other life-saving missions,”
said Dan Schultz, president of Sikorsky. “This aircraft’s military pedigree,
unique equipment and advanced onboard systems will enable San Diego to perform these
high endurance missions with safety and reliability. Welcome San Diego
firefighters to the Sikorsky helicopter family.”
“As wildfires continue to ravage our state, we must do
everything in our power to make sure the San Diego region is as prepared as possible
for the next major fire,” said mayor of San Diego Kevin L. Faulconer. “We must
continue to ensure our firefighters have the most advanced tools at their
disposal to keep San Diegans safe. This new Firehawk helicopter is going to
take our aerial firefighting capabilities to the next level.”
Sikorsky supports the critical mission of the city of San
Diego Fire Department with an all new S-70i Black Hawk aircraft, available
direct from Sikorsky in the U.S.
Customers can order aircraft with mission specific kits
and accessories customized to specific preferences. The city of San Diego will
become the second jurisdiction to order the Firehawk this year after an order
for two S-70 aircraft from the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Original post: verticalmag.com
S-70i Black Hawk: Details
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