Sikorsky Aircraft has signed an agreement with RUAG to introduce the Cyclone multimission helicopter to Germany.

Sikorsky will develop the helicopter, a derivative of the S-92, for German Air Force and Navy programmes.

Cyclone is modelled on the Black Hawk helicopter, and will be used for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, as well as search and rescue missions.

It will feature enhanced rotor and drive designs, bird strike protection, a flaw and damage-tolerant design, and protection from turbine bursts.

It will include crashworthy seats, crash-resistant fuel systems, and high-intensity radio frequency (HIRF) and lightning protection system.