Arista Aviation Services, a provider of rotary wing aircraft repair, overhaul, and modernisation with specialisation in the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, has announced that is has been been awarded a contract to provide six firefighting-capable Black Hawks to the Portuguese Air Force (Força Aérea Portuguesa), besting Industry OEMs Leonardo and Bell Helicopter.

The contract includes the delivery of six aircraft over the next three years, training for six pilots and 21 mechanics, and five years of onsite maintenance and logistical support. With the addition of these helicopters, Portuguese Air Force aerial firefighting capabilities will be enhanced as each Arista-modified Black Hawk will have the ability to quickly transport 12 firefighters and over 750 gallons of water to rural areas when needed.

Arista President Rich Enderle said, “The Black Hawk has proven itself around the world as an extremely versatile airframe, and we are proud to offer our customers a wide variety of options to help ensure their mission success.

“Our aerial firefighting configuration is highly successful in fighting U.S. wildfires in California and other western states, and we are thrilled to be able to internationally introduce these lifesaving platforms to Portugal.”

Arista is an FAA Part 145 Repair Station and provider of MRO services with facilities strategically located in Alabama and California. Arista specializes in depot level repairs, custom painting, custom avionics upgrades, structural enhancements and repairs as needed to extend the useful life of legacy helicopter platforms.