Multiyear U.S. helo order for Sikorsky HUNTSVILLE, Ala., July 11 (UPI) -- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. reports it will build 653 baseline Black Hawk and Seahawk helicopters for the U.S. Army and Navy under a new $8.5 billion contract. The contract term is for five years and includes an option for an additional 263 aircraft, which if exercised would push the overall award value to $11.7 billion. Sikorsky said year-by-year production quantities will be based on funds allocated by Congress and the Department of Defense. "By buying a five-year quantity of four helicopter models in a single joint-service purchase, the two services have enabled Sikorsky and our suppliers to aggressively control our long- term costs," said John Palumbo, Sikorsky's vice president for Black Hawk aircraft production. Furthermore, by ordering a similar number of aircraft year-over-year, the Army and Navy have ensured that we can stabilize our supply base over the same period of time. The baseline aircraft to be produced include the UH-60M utility and HH-60M MEDEVAC helicopters for the Army and MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters for the Navy. Deliveries begin this month.