The Chief of Staff of the Bangladesh Army General General Waker-Uz-Zaman SBP OSP SGP psc has announced the intent to purchase Sikorsky medium lift helicopters from the United States during an Army Aviation Group graduation ceremony event for pilots.
General Zaman however did not specify the exact model, but this defence portal believes the S-70 Black Hawk medium utility helicopters manufactured in Poland bu PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company is the most logical option for the Army Aviation Group.
The S-70 helicopter was build by the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation to meet a US Army requirement for a utility tactical transport helicopter. Its first flight occurred in December 1974, and by December 1976 it was selected by the US Army with deliveries taking place in October 1978.
The Black Hawk is characterized by excellent performance and high operational suitability in land and naval operations. It is capable of transporting troops and casualties, as well as carrying provisions to the battlefield.
The helicopter can be equipped with FLIR camera, radar or electronic warfare suites. In the armed version, it can be equipped with machine guns, missiles, unguided or guided munitions.
Across the board over 5,000 units have been built and remains in service with at least 44 countries around the world with an exceptionally high operational readiness of 84% in combat conditions.
Since 2010, PZL Mielec has delivered over a hundred units in various configurations to customers from 11 countries. The addition of Bangladesh to the list will fetch many more orders during the course of the program as the Bangladesh Army has standardised the rotary wing aircraft in its “medium lift helicopter” requirement.
The Bangladesh Army Aviation Group has been expanding rapidly in recent years with the procurement of numerous helicopters and aircraft from NATO-member states including Austria, US, Spain, Turkey, and now Poland.