The U.S. State Department has agreed to buy two Sikorsky S-61 helicopters and has taken an option on up to 108 more of the craft for passenger and cargo missions.
Sikorsky Aerospace Services, a division of Stratford-based Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., announced today a five-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity purchase agreement with the U.S. State Department  for modernized S-61 helicopters to support missions for the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan.
The modernized helicopter includes upgrades of composite main rotor blades, modular wiring harness, a state-of-the-art glass cockpit and added lift capability to enhance speed. Additional features are designed to reduce pilot fatigue and needed maintenance.
Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford.
