T70 Blackhawk helicopters are finally being delivered to their respective customers.
When the license agreement was first signed there were going to be 109 units produced by Tusas for TSK and interior ministry plus a quantity for Forestry Ministry. Plus for every T70 Turkey purchased one T70 would be exported. So really the initial quantity were 218 potential units. We have not heard about the export portion of this agreement.
The initial choice of Sikorsky was made in 2011. But due to technicality issues it wasn’t until 2016 that the final agreement was signed.
Sikorsky, together with the government of Turkey and members of the Turkish aerospace industry, has entered into contractual agreements under the Turkish Utility Helicopter Program …
www.shephardmedia.com
Now somehow we are being told that the license agreement will have to be renewed as it is ending in 2024. After the delivery of 38 helicopters, we will need a new production license from Sikorsky and hence the US government.
Now, after 2024 are we really going to need these helicopters if we have Gokbey - already flying - and T-925 heavy utility helicopter that will fly in 2024?
As we will be producing our own alternatives to T-70, US will definitely endorse a new license to obstruct or hinder our own production. Then may be, there could be an opportunity to ask for a newer tech version of the T-70 to be produced at Tusas.
It is interesting that in 2016, when the project was finally put to bed, the initial deliveries were to start in 2021. Did they really think that they could produce 109 units in 3 years? Did they not have the notion of extending the license there and then? Didn’t they allow for delays? Food for thought!
www.globalsecurity.org