Helibasket, based in South Carolina, have delivered the first seven of its 4,500lb (2,000 kg) capacity HB2000 Heli-Baskets to PZL Mielec to support its 2023 shipment of Sikorsky S-70M Black Hawk utility helicopters to the European market.
Purchased by PZL as part of the European Union’s VISION 2020 project, the Heli-Baskets are an addition to the new Black Hawk utility helicopters, helping support the Black Hawk’s broad multi-role mission set with enhanced external cargo capability.
The HB2000 Heli-Basket is now an available option for the S-70M, enhancing mission flexibility for current and future Black Hawk users. The Heli-Baskets are part of a program with PZL supporting a requirement for up to 12 baskets delivered to Poland over the course of the next year.
“Helibasket LLC was privileged and thrilled to work with Sikorsky and PZL to be a part of this contract,” said John Tollenaere, operations manager at Helibasket LLC. “The versatility of Sikorsky’s new S-70M Black Hawk utility helicopter is only bolstered by the flexibility and efficiency that the Heli-Basket brings, and we are proud to be included among the Black Hawk mission equipment options.”