Mielec 2025-07-02
Sikorsky-Mielec Black Hawk S-70i.
The PZL Mielec plant began assembling S‑70i BlackHawk helicopters in 2009. As of November 29, 2023, the plant has produced and delivered the 100th helicopter of this version. The S-70i BlackHawk version, produced since 2010, has reached this milestone in Mielec. The 100th unit has been delivered to the Polish Armed Forces. By mid-2025, the Mielec plant had produced approximately 115 S-70i BlackHawk helicopters.
The maximum production rate of BlackHawk helicopters in Mielec is 20 units per year. The plant can increase the production rate to 24 units per year. The minimum number of helicopters produced is 8 units per year to maintain production profitability. In 2024, the plant was carrying out a contract for 32 Black Hawk helicopters for the Philippines. The plant produces one helicopter in a period of 3 to 5 months. It all depends on the specialist equipment. The plant has 6 assembly stations, through which each helicopter produced passes. The machine stays at the station for about 10 working days. After signing the contract, the PZL plant can deliver the first helicopter after just 12 months.
The Polish Army has so far ordered and received 8 S-70i Black Hawk helicopters: 4 units under the first contract signed on 25 January 2019. All helicopters were delivered to the Special Forces in December 2019. Another 4 units were ordered on 15 December 2021. Two helicopters were delivered to users in November 2023, and another two in November 2024, completing the deliveries of the 2021 contract. In July 2023, during the United Right government, negotiations were launched for another 32 S-70i helicopters for the Airmobile Troops. Unfortunately, in June 2025, the “Coalition of December 13” government broke off the talks. The Armaments Agency decided that the order was not in the public interest, which was a scandal.
Black Hawk helicopters are also used in the Polish Police. In 2018, the first one was delivered, and the next in 2019. At present, the Police has two helicopters.
The catalogue price of the S-70i Black Hawk helicopter, used for the first delivery to the Polish Army, was approximately PLN 75 million gross per unit, which also included a training and logistics package and basic specialist equipment. After conversion, the price of one Black Hawk helicopter is approximately USD 20 million. The price is influenced by: the number of helicopters ordered, lead time, logistics package, spare parts package, etc. The price applies to the version equipped with special equipment and logistic support. The “catalogue” price of the helicopter in the basic version (without specialist equipment) may be lower, but sources do not specify this.
The factory flight is performed by factory pilots. The systems installed in the helicopter are also integrated. Now in Mielec, the user’s (operator’s) pilots are testing and the equipment is being certified and accepted. The decision on the method of transport is up to the user. The team from Mielec prepares the machine for a specific method of transport. At the operator’s airport, the helicopter is assembled and tests are carried out, the so-called acceptance flight. Crew and mechanics are being trained. This is often included in the contract package.
S-70i Black Hawk helicopters manufactured in PZL Mielec are delivered to recipients mainly by air, on their own. This is the most common form of delivery in Europe, for example to Polish Army units or tests in the Czech Republic. Such a flight may take place with stopovers for refuelling. There is also air transport on board transport aircraft. There is also land and sea transport. Sea transport is carried out over long distances, over 1,000 km and outside Europe. Such transport is carried out to the Philippines, Chile, Thailand or Colombia. The shipping port is Gdynia or Gdańsk. The helicopter is partially dismantled: the rotor blades and tail rotor are removed. The helicopter is placed in a special container and is protected against damage. Black Hawk helicopters are also transported on car trailers, for example to the MSPO trade fair in Kielce.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman