Sikorsky has signed a contract to supply six S-70i Black Hawk helicopters to the Fuerza Aérea de Chile (Chilean Air Force).
The new helicopters are being acquired as part of the air force's medium-lift helicopter recapitalisation programme.
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The deal will bring the total number of Black Hawk helicopters operated by Chile and four other Latin American countries to more than 140, Sikorsky said.
In addition to the helicopters, the contract includes a logistical support package that will cover spare parts, pilots and maintenance specialists training, on-site technical assistance and ground support equipment.
Sikorsky Latin America regional executive Adam Schierholz said, "We are very pleased that the Fuerza Aérea de Chile has chosen the multirole Black Hawk helicopter following an intensive review of competing platforms.
"The Black Hawk platform will perform for Chile as a highly reliable and safe utility helicopter that can be quickly configured for a range of missions."
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By GlobalDataDelivery of the helicopters will take place in 2018.
The air force will use the helicopters in both military and humanitarian missions, such as troop transport, search and rescue, and disaster relief.
The Black Hawk family of helicopters have been designed to operate in harsh weather and under tough operational conditions, including at high altitudes and in hot temperatures.
The helicopters can be transported in the C-130 Hercules aircraft for rapid and distant deployment.
Image: A Black Hawk helicopter. Photo: courtesy of Lockheed Martin Corporation.
