WASHINGTON — The Defense Department has demanded the immediate
repair of the Black Hawk and Seahawk fleet in the U.S. military before new
sales to the Middle East.
The Pentagon has determined that the Black Hawk and Seahawk, both
produced by Sikorsky Aircraft, were plagued by problems in the rear rotor
tail. The helicopters have been deployed in the Middle East, and in November
2006 Turkey purchased the Seahawk.
In a Nov. 22 letter to Sikorsky, the Pentagon's Defense Contract
Management Agency gave the company 30 days to repair recurring mishaps in
the Black Hawk. The letter warned Sikorsky, based in Stratford, Conn.,
against exporting defective helicopters to Turkey and other countries.
"At a minimum, I expect a complete and comprehensive plan which
addresses the circumstances ennumerated above, ensures contractual
compliance, and prevents recurrence,"
DCMA's Dorothy Freer wrote to Sikorsky Aircraft. "However, due to the
serious nature of the quality issues, I expect immediate action to mitigate
the mounting risk."
Ms. Freer cited Pentagon concern over Sikorsky's assembly of the Black
Hawk. She said the company was increasingly outsourcing production in an
attempt to meet deadlines.
"The drive to outsource, which has grown from the transformation, has
become the panacea to Sikorsky's inability to meet schedule and is
increasing the number of quality defects," the letter to Sikorsky president
Jeffery Pinto read. "An example of this phenomenon is the offload/ outsource
of the U/HH-60L/S70 production/assembly line. There have been at least four
different 'homes' for this process since I first wrote you. They have been
Stratford, West Palm Beach, Crestview, and Schweitzer."
Sikorsky plans to outsource much of the production of Black Hawk to
Turkey and other countries. The company has been competing in a Turkish
tender for the procurement of up to 52 helicopters for Ankara's military and
security forces.
The Pentagon said Sikorsky has been hampered by lack of planning as well
as continued production of defective parts. Ms. Freer said the quality of
Sikorsky's helicopters has been declining even as the company increased
exports.
Ms. Freer appeared to be referring to a Sikorsky deal to sell 17 Seahawk
70B naval helicopters to Turkey. She expressed concern over the latest sale
and its affect on quality for the U.S. military.
"I realize that some of these will be direct commercial sales, but I am
concerned what impact the increase in volume will have on military aircraft
schedule, quality, and cost," the letter read. "While I have been provided
briefings on some portions of your plans, I have not seen a comprehensive
strategic and tactical plan addressing Sikorsky's future ability to meet
overall delivery requirements."
Congress has been monitoring the Black Hawk difficulties at Sikorsky.
Rep. Chris Shays, a Republican from Connecticut, warned the company that
time was running out.
"There can never be a question about quality when it come to the
equipment our men and women in the armed forces use," Shays said. "The
management of Sikorsky needs to address every concern and quickly."