U.S. plans Black Hawk helicopter sale to Brazil

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WASHINGTON, June 29 (Reuters) - The Bush administration told Congress on Friday it tentatively plans to sell United Technologies Corp. UTC.N Black Hawk helicopters and related gear worth up to $300 million to Brazil. Brazil has requested as many as six UH-60L Black Hawks, built by UTX's Sikorsky Aircraft unit, with 12 General Electric Co. (GE.N: Cotización) engines, the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.

The proposed sale would boost the security of "a friendly country that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in South America," the security agency said.

Brazil needs the helicopters for search and rescue, as well as "self-defense within the region," it said, adding they would provide close air support for ground forces.

The notice of a potential sale is required by U.S. law and does not mean a sale has been concluded. In addition, Congress has the power to block such a deal, but rarely does.

The total value of the deal could be as high as $300 million if all options are exercised, the security agency said.

((Reporting by Jim Wolf; editing by Andre Grenon; jim.wolf@reuters.com +1 202 898 8467)) Keywords: HELICOPTERS BRAZIL/UTX

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