Motor Sich gets offer to outfit Sikorsky copters

Motor Sich (MSICH UK) received an offer to supply its engines for the modernization of outdated Sikorsky twin-engine S-61 helicopters, CEO Vyacheslav Boguslaev announced yesterday. According to Motor Sich, Sikorsky Aircraft is interested in engines capable of operating in extreme high temperatures to replace the General Electric T58-GE-10 engines the helicopters are currently outfitted with.

Roman Dmytrenko: Motor Sich recently designed an SBM1V-4E Series engine for extreme temperatures that seems a perfect fit for the S-61. The requirement for a high-temperature tolerant engine could imply that the modernized helicopters will be operated in Middle Eastern and/or African countries. Though no preliminary figures have been announced so far, it could be significant; Sikorsky has made 119 civil versions of the S-61 copter. Cooperation with Sikorsky could open the door for Motor Sich to other deals with the large customer niche of NATO aircraft producers, making it less dependent on orders from Russian Helicopters.