Blue Sky Network (BSN), a leading satellite-based tracking and communications systems provider, announced it has been awarded a contract with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a Lockheed Martin Company.
Per the contract, Sikorsky will equip S-70 Black Hawk helicopters with an avionics package that includes BSN’s satellite-based tracking and communication services. The contract involves testing and qualifying the systems to meet the U.S. government and Sikorsky’s standards and requirements. Part of a larger Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, the helicopters will be used for critical search-and-rescue (SAR) missions supporting military operations overseas.
“The qualification of our system on Sikorsky’s S-70 Black Hawk platform further demonstrates our capability to provide our customers with innovative products and services,” said Jeff Sherwood, BSN’s business development manager.
“This agreement with an iconic company such as Sikorsky is an important step in our OEM channel expansion,” said Gregoire Demory, BSN’s president and chief executive officer. “The Blue Sky Network team is thrilled to announce that our D1000C and ACH1000 systems are now ‘factory qualified’ on all S-70 Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters.”
Sikorsky delivered the first Black Hawk helicopter to the U.S. Army on Oct. 31, 1978. Since then, the helicopter has served as the U.S. Army’s primary medium-lift utility transport.
