ENTERPRISE — It’s been a year in the works, but the first of six UH-60 Black Hawks ordered by the Portuguese Air Force is completed. It has been a true team effort, said Steve Soler, Arista Program Manager and liaison with the Portuguese government on the contract, as he welcomed pilots and supports crew members from the Forca Aerea Portuguesa to Enterprise Monday to accept the keys to the first of the six refurbished Black Hawks, now fully customized to provide firefighting service in Portugal.
The project is the first time the firm that specializes in modernizing surplus U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters has contracted with a foreign government.
“This is a huge milestone for Arista,” said Daryle Pilkinton, Arista Vice President of Business Development, as he watched finishing touches put on the helicopters. “Every inch of the aircraft is touched and refreshed, customized to meet the customer’s needs.”
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