US helicopter maker Sikorsky has selected Czech company Česká letecká servisní (ČLS) as its first authorised distribution centre for Black Hawk helicopter parts in the European Union.

Sikorsky has selected Czech aviation company ČLS as its first authorised Black Hawk parts distribution centre in the European Union, supporting more than 150 helicopters already in service across the bloc.

ČLS, part of businessman Jaroslav Strnad’s Helicopter Alliance group, will stock Sikorsky-recommended spare parts at its Czech warehouse, allowing frequently needed components to be delivered more quickly to European operators. The arrangement will cover several Black Hawk variants, including the S-70, UH-60M and UH-60A/L.

According to Sikorsky, ČLS underwent a detailed assessment of its quality standards, processes and policies before receiving authorisation. The Czech company has extensive experience in aircraft modernisation, avionics, special mission equipment and maintenance services for both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

The new partnership is part of a broader Black Hawk industrial and support network in Central Europe. The S-70 variant is manufactured by PZL Mielec in Poland, another Lockheed Martin company, while ČLS is also involved in preparations for the S-70 FIREHAWK programme in the Czech Republic. The FIREHAWK is a modified Black Hawk designed for civil protection and aerial firefighting missions.

Sikorsky said ČLS will cooperate with Sikorsky, PZL Mielec and United Rotorcraft on the planned introduction of FIREHAWK helicopters in the Czech Republic. Production of the first European FIREHAWK aircraft began in Poland earlier this year.

The appointment makes ČLS the first Sikorsky-authorised Black Hawk parts distribution centre in the EU, strengthening the Czech Republic’s role in the regional aerospace and defence supply chain and supporting faster maintenance and sustainment of Black Hawk fleets across Europe.

Source:

Radio Prague International, https://english.radio.cz/czech-company-selected-eu-distribution-centre-black-hawk-parts-8895491

UK Defence journal, https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/sikorsky-opens-first-eu-black-hawk-parts-hub/