SDG&E is in the process of adding an S-70i FIREHAWK to its fleet.
Bringing enhanced capability and flight safety to its high-payload role.
Extra power margin, 4g maneuverability, stronger airframe, and greater water drop control with its 1000gal external tank.
N858GE
Addition to San Diego Gas & Electric’s helicopter fleet -
November 18,2021, SDGE took delivery of the world’s first commercial S-70M.
With an H145, S-64 Skycrane, 2 UH-60 Blackhawks, and soon-to-be S-70i Firehawk,
SDGE’s firefighting fleet has power to spare.
Now onto Firehawk conversion!
https://twitter.com/SocalAirOps/status/ ... 8018258944
San Diego Gas & Electric Company
Wildfire Mitigation Plan
February 7, 2020
SDG&E is in negotiations to purchase an S‐70i (Firehawk) to replace the Blackhawk
and anticipates that the transaction will be complete prior to the next Plan update. Over the
next three to 10 years, SDG&E will continue to assess the effectiveness of its Aviation
Firefighting program and will work with CAL FIRE on any changes for improved firefighting
effectiveness.
https://www.sdge.com/sites/default/file ... 2020_0.pdf
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Sikorsky Prepares S-70M for Commercial Operators
October 20, 2020
In early 2020, PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company in Poland, manufactured the first S-70M Black Hawk helicopter on the same production line where it has produced the S-70i since 2011 for 17 customers worldwide. The helicopter was then delivered in September to Sikorsky’s flight test facility in West Palm Beach, Florida, for evaluation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
On October 3, the FAA performed its first of many flights in the S-70M. Sikorsky is working with the FAA to receive Flight Standardization certification for S-70M by the end of this year in accordance with the Type Certificate Data Sheet for Restricted Category clearance. This would allow commercial operators to acquire a new production Black Hawk directly from Sikorsky for the first time in the helicopter’s storied 42-year history.
https://www.wingsmagazine.com/sikorsky- ... operators/
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Paintshop's instructions and 1:1 scale stencils commissioned by SDGE for their new S-70i Blackhawk helicopter - 2020
https://www.aviationgraphic.com/content ... structions