Sikorsky starts Firehawk production in Poland
Sikorsky's S-70 Firehawk helicopter in action.
Sikorsky has launched European production of its S-70 Firehawk firefighting helicopter at PZL Mielec in southeastern Poland. Two aircraft are under construction for the Czech Republic Ministry of the Interior through a partnership with Czech aviation firm Česká Letecká Servisní (ČLS), a Helicopter Alliance (HA) company and United Rotorcraft.
A variant of the Black Hawk helicopter, the Firehawks will enable the Czech Republic to launch rapid, all‑weather suppression missions from its home base. The aircraft will also be available to neighboring countries confronting intensifying wildfire seasons through the European Commission’s RescEU programme. Other missions will include emergency relief flights following floods or earthquakes.
‘Firefighting network’
“This production start is more than a manufacturing milestone; it is the first concrete step toward a continent‑wide, modern aerial firefighting network,” said Dr Dennis Goege, vice president and chief executive for Europe, Lockheed Martin, parent company of Sikorsky. “By delivering proven technology from a European supply chain, we are giving European communities a decisive tool to protect lives, property and ecosystems.”
Firehawks are fitted with a 1,000‑gallon (3,785 L) water tank, retractable snorkel, twin engines and night‑vision capability – features which are said to have proven decisive during US firefighting missions.
As part of its partnership with PZL Mielec and ČLS, US-based United Rotorcraft, will expand its capabilities into the Czech Republic. United Rotorcraft will provide firefighting equipment, conduct crew training and long‑term services. The arrangement will ensure “Czech operators receive a turnkey solution that mirrors the operational maturity relied upon by US agencies including CAL FIRE, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department and others”, said the manufacturer.
Jeanette Eaton, vice president of strategy and business development, United Rotorcraft added: “The Firehawk’s proven performance in the toughest US fire seasons gives us confidence that it will excel in Europe’s diverse terrain and weather.” The company is sending a team to the Czech Republic to install the firefighting kit, water tanks and additional search‑and‑rescue equipment.
The team at PZL Mielec’s facility in Poland assembles Black Hawk airframes with the support of more than 1,200 local suppliers, accounting for about 5,000 jobs across the EU.
‘Emergency response challenges’
“PZL Mielec has a long history of delivering aircraft that serve both national security and public safety missions,” said Janusz Zakręcki, PZL Mielec president and general director. “The launch of production for the Czech Republic’s Firehawk aircraft reinforces our role as a key European manufacturing centre and highlights the growing importance of international cooperation in addressing natural disasters and emergency response challenges.”
Funded by the EU, rescEU is a strategic crisis reserve designed to complement national resources during emergencies. Examples include the provision of firefighting helicopters and fixed-wing assets to combat large wildfires, medical evacuation aircraft and emergency medical teams and field hospitals.
Meanwhile, Sikorsky is also reconfiguring S-92 from oil and gas industry support helicopters into firefighting platorms. Two such aircraft – known as Fire Raptors are operated by VIH Helicopters based in Vancouver, Canada.
Stepping up production on one of two Sikorsky Firehawks at PZL Mielec in Poland. (Photocredit: PZL Mielec).
