The US Navy has awarded a contract to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation to provide helicopter transmissions.

Under the $8.2m contract, the company will provide 22 transmissions for UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.

The Sikorsky-developed UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter is a multirole utility transport helicopter used for air assault, air cavalry and aeromedical evacuation units.

The helicopter can carry 11 combat-loaded, air assault troops and is capable of moving a 105mm howitzer and 30 rounds of ammunition.

The work, which will be carried out in Connecticut, is expected to be complete by 31 December 2011.