Philippine Air Force to receive S-70i Black Hawk flight simulator

Lockheed Martin has secured a contract with the Philippine Department of National Defense to supply an S-70i Black Hawk full flight simulator and virtual maintenance training system to the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

The equipment will support domestic training for pilots and maintenance personnel operating the PAF’s Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk fleet, which undertakes search and rescue (SAR), humanitarian assistance, aerial firefighting, and troop transport missions across the Philippines.

The full flight simulator uses a digital representation of the S-70i to replicate aircraft handling and cockpit operations, while the virtual maintenance trainer allows technicians to practice working on aircraft systems, including hydraulics and avionics.

The contract also covers training materials, spare parts, and ongoing support through 2032.

The investment is intended to expand the PAF’s training capacity within the Philippines, reducing its dependence on overseas facilities as its Black Hawk fleet grows.

Until the new training infrastructure is established, Philippine Air Force pilots will continue receiving instruction at the Sikorsky Training Academy in the USA.

The agreement will support the air force’s expanding fleet and longer-term training requirements.

The contract represents Lockheed Martin’s first order for its S-70i Black Hawk training devices. The company has not disclosed the contract value or a delivery timetable.

Further reading: Discover how military aviation operators are investing in advanced simulation technology to prepare helicopter crews for demanding rescue and special missions.