Recent content by Rikbo

Not really relevant to this thread but the CH-53K achieved first flight a few days ago. This is one bad *** aircraft. Thought those on this thread would enjoy. Amazing power and lift capabilities. Would make an awesome addition to the IN in the future when they start exporting these.

Yea, after all the delays and work Sikorsky put into this aircraft it has turned into an excellent bird. Much of the delay was due to General Dynamics Canada screwing up the mission system, time and time again. But, from what I hear recently the customer is finally getting happy with this...

Well that is interesting. S-70B should be the front runner if they can get this contract done. S-92 CH-148 Cyclone would likely be offered for the larger variant. Good news after all the R&D Sikorsky has pumped into that program.

Have not heard anything although I am sure Sikorsky would love to see a proposal for what they need. I assume you are speaking of a Blackhawk type of helo or are you referring to the follow on order for additional naval hawks?

It will be at least 36 months. A ton of development work to be done. All depends on how many options they sign up for. Like will they require a new anti-ship missile, among other things.

@Abingdonboy - now hearing some things on my end that this contract is moving towards finalization. Seems both parties are ironing things out and coming to agreement on terms and financials. Keeping my fingers crossed!

That is music to my ears @Abingdonboy. Thanks for sharing and I will keep my fingers crossed!

Maybe in your world, but not in the business world I lived in when working for Sikorsky.

Maybe in some cases @wiseone, but not in this case. A 3% to 6% cost escalation per year is typical.

OK, bad example on my part. Point is every part of that aircraft has a cost and the vendors that all contribute to Sikorsky's quote all have price validity timeframes. When they expire they all have to requote and Sikorsky has to pull everything together and provide an updated price. It's one...

You cannot execute a contract and hold profit margin if your customer wants a price valid 4 years ago. India was told multiple times about when their proposal expires. Sikorsky even extended pricing 1 or 2 times in the hopes of finalizing the contract. It's like you want to buy a car but you...

India contract still on hold from what I hear. Same reason, India refuses to recognize the cost escalation that occurs each year the contract is not signed. They (MOD) want the original price negotiated almost 4 years ago which is simply not realistic. Not gonna happen, Sikorsky will walk away...

Well @Capt.Popeye that is disappointing news to hear. Wonder why that is. You would think having someone with extensive knowledge of the S-70B would be highly desirable when getting a new aircraft with which they have no experience let alone having someone here in the U.S. to act as a liaison...

Well, here we are in August 2015 and still no contract. I am sure you all heard the MOD seems to be delaying, from what I hear due to the escalation in price from the 2011-2012 quotes provided. Don't know the details but as you all could surmise there is a cost escalation factor each year after...

No one. This is again a new variant. No other model has the Flash sonar, ADLP will be replaced, new Anti-Ship missile, newer avionics to address obsolescence issues, and a bunch of other changes. Also, I appreciate the compliment. Thanks! Always enjoy sharing info with other professionals. Was...