THE Philippine Air Force (PAF) will gain a dedicated training capability for pilots and maintenance personnel of its S-70i Black Hawk helicopters under a contract awarded to US defense contractor Lockheed Martin.
The company confirmed the contract covers a full-flight simulator, a virtual maintenance trainer, instructional materials, along with spare parts and sustainment support through 2032.
The system will allow PAF to conduct more local training, reducing the need for overseas facilities and operational helicopters for pilot training.
The full-flight simulator will replicate the experience of flying an S-70i Black Hawk, while the virtual maintenance trainer will allow technicians to practice maintenance procedures in a simulated environment, Lockheed Martin said.
The company did not disclose the contract’s value or the delivery schedule.
“The PAF will continue training Black Hawk pilots at the US-based Sikorsky Training Academy while establishing its own local training capability.”
The contract marks Lockheed Martin’s first order for its dedicated S-70i Black Hawk training devices, according to the company.
The development comes as the Philippines continues to build its military air mobility capabilities through its fleet of Polish-made S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, manufactured at PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary.
The Philippines signed its first contract for 16 S-70i Black Hawks in 2019 and a second contract for 32 additional helicopters in February 2022.
PZL Mielec said it completed delivery of all 48 helicopters covered by the two contracts.
The S-70i Black Hawk is a multirole helicopter used for troop transport, humanitarian assistance, disaster response and other military operations.
Separately, Rafal Leskiewicz, spokesman for Polish President Karol Nawrocki, said the Philippines could purchase additional Black Hawks from PZL Mielec, describing the aircraft deals as an example of economic cooperation between Poland and the Philippines.
Leskiewicz said the Philippines was the largest foreign customer for Black Hawk helicopters produced at the Mielec facility and could purchase additional units.
