S-70iTM BLACK HAWK Helicopter Debuts at MSPO Exhibition

KIELCE, Poland – The S-70i™ BLACK HAWK helicopter, the international variant of the BLACK HAWK helicopter, is on public display for the first time. Built at PZL Mielec, Sikorsky Aircraft’s company in Poland, the aircraft will be on static display at the MSPO exhibition through Sept. 9. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).  

The display aircraft is the second to be produced at PZL Mielec. The first S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter built at PZL Mielec is nearing completion of flight testing in the U.S. A production flight hangar at PZL Mielec is expected to be ready for flight test operations by the end of 2010.

“This begins a new chapter for the S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter being offered on the international market,” said Debra A. Zampano, S-70i Program Manager, International Military Programs. “From its inception, the
S-70i helicopter program has moved forward smoothly, consistently achieving all of its key milestones. This is a global product for a global marketplace, and we are pleased that the public is able to view this new S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter at the MSPO.”

Production flight tests will be conducted at the flight hangar at PZL Mielec beginning with the second aircraft.

Since its initial flight at the Sikorsky Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, USA, the first S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter has flown approximately 38 hours in test flight. It is expected to complete production flight testing in the fourth quarter.

“In test flight, the S-70i helicopter is light and has been flying remarkably fast,” said Chief Test Pilot Rick Becker. “It has been performing very well. It’s just a joy to fly.”

Delivery of the first S-70i BLACK HAWK aircraft to the S-70i helicopter program launch customer is scheduled for early 2011.

“The S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter will support the global demand for the advanced technology available in this aircraft,” said Janusz Zakrecki, President of PZL Mielec. “Built in Poland, this aircraft exemplifies Polish craftsmanship and American technology, but more importantly, it is ready for the missions to come.”

The S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter is the first BLACK HAWK aircraft designed specifically for international customers, and utilizes a global supply chain. It is the first BLACK HAWK helicopter to be assembled in Europe as well as the first helicopter to be produced by PZL Mielec in Poland.

The S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter incorporates the latest technology with advanced features such as a fully integrated digital cockpit with a dual digital automatic flight control system and coupled flight director. It also features an active vibration control system that will smooth the overall ride of the aircraft. The dual GPS/INS system with digital map provides accurate and redundant navigation for the most demanding of tactical environments. Customers around the world will benefit from the aircraft’s modern, robust aircraft configuration and ability to leverage existing interoperability with Sikorsky’s worldwide fleet of BLACK HAWK helicopters.

Plans call for at least 20 S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopters to be produced per year, beginning in 2012.

Source: Sikorsky

Sikorsky CH-53K Helicopter Program Achieves Successful Critical Design Review

STRATFORD, Connecticut – Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation announced today the successful completion of the CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopter Program Critical Design Review (CDR) event, signaling the program is ready to proceed to assembly, test and evaluation. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

 

The joint Sikorsky/Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) CH-53K helicopter program team hosted a weeklong meeting in late July to gather stakeholders and key collaborators from government and industry for an in-depth aircraft design review. At the review, the CH-53K team successfully demonstrated that the design meets the system requirements, setting the stage for the next phase of the program. Review participants included members of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, NAVAIR, Sikorsky Aircraft, and 21 major industrial partners who displayed component exhibits that augmented technical presentations.

Over the past four years, the CH-53K helicopter team has successfully completed numerous major reviews, including the System Requirements Review (SRR), System Functional Review (SFR), System Preliminary Design Review (PDR), 77 supplier-level Critical Design Reviews (CDR’s), 64 supplier and internal software reviews, and 16 sub-system CDRs.

David Cohen, chairman of the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Technical Review Board (TRB) emphasized the Board’s approval with a “resounding yes,” adding that “the CH-53K helicopter program is ready for full-scale development and manufacture of the test aircraft.”

Completion of the System CDR event demonstrates that the CH-53K Helicopter Program continues to build on its strong design foundation. NAVAIR CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopter Integrated Product Team Co-lead, Lt. Col. Hank Vanderborght noted, “We have a program that sits squarely on solid technical ground, and our team continues to work diligently as we mitigate all schedule and cost risks.”

Over 93% of the design has been released for manufacturing. System-level performance projections indicate all seven Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) will be achieved with adequate risk mitigation margin built-in for subsequent phases of the program. The team is ready to move into fabrication and assembly of test articles, component qualification, and flight test.

“This successful CDR confirms the program is on the right track and is a significant step forward for the CH-53K helicopter program,” said John Johnson, Sikorsky Program Manager for the CH-53K helicopter program. “Sikorsky and NAVAIR are well aligned in this collaborative effort, and this CDR brings us closer to delivering a vital tool to the U.S. Marine Corps’ future heavy lift mission.”

Sikorsky has been building CH-53 helicopters for the Marine Corps since the CH-53A aircraft was introduced in 1963. The heavy lift mission is currently performed by the Sikorsky CH-53E SUPER STALLION^TM helicopter and CH-53D SEA STALLION helicopter models that have logged a cumulative total of 1.37 million flight hours in over 40 years.

Sikorsky Aircraft received a $3 billion System Development and Demonstration (SDD) contract on April 5, 2006 to develop a replacement for the U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E heavy lift helicopter. The new aircraft program is planned to include production of more than 200 aircraft. Currently, the CH-53K helicopter is in the SDD phase with all of the major subcontracts awarded and valued at over $1.1B.

“This milestone is a turning point for our program,” said Mike Torok, Sikorsky Vice-President and Chief Engineer for Marine Corps Programs, and Chief Engineer for the CH-53K.  “The final design definition, which meets NAVAIR and USMC requirements, is concluding, and now we move on to the test and verification part of the program.

“Parts are being made throughout the supply base and at our new Precision Component Technology Center; test facilities are being fabricated and prepped for installation in our recently opened ground test facility; the integrated simulation facility is marching toward a late 2010 opening, already having received the first increment of software for the aircraft; and the final assembly facility in West Palm Beach is being prepared to start building the ground and flight vehicles early next year. It’s time now to prove out our design and show that this helicopter system will indeed meet the war fighting requirements of the USMC and give them exceptional mission performance from a platform that is affordable and supportable for many years to come,” Torok added.

The CH-53K helicopter will maintain virtually the same footprint as its predecessor, the three-engine CH-53E SUPER STALLION helicopter, but will nearly triple the payload to 27,000 pounds over 110 nautical miles under “hot/high” ambient conditions. The CH-53E helicopter is currently the largest, most powerful marinized helicopter in the world. It is deployed from Marine Corps amphibious assault ships to transport personnel and equipment and to carry external (sling) cargo loads.

The CH-53K helicopter’s maximum gross weight (MGW) with internal loads is 74,000 pounds compared to 69,750 pounds for the CH-53E aircraft. The CH-53K’s MGW with external loads is 88,000 pounds as compared to 73,500 for the CH-53E helicopter.

Features of the CH-53K helicopter include: a modern glass cockpit; fly-by-wire flight controls; fourth generation rotor blades with anhedral tips; a low-maintenance elastomeric rotor head; upgraded engines; a locking cargo rail system; external cargo handling improvements; survivability enhancements; and improved reliability, maintainability and supportability. The program is expected to achieve the Initial Operational Capability milestone in FY18.

Sikorsky Introduces “Project Firefly,” Electric Helicopter Demonstrator

Sikorsky Innovations, the technology development organization of Sikorsky Aircraft, today officially introduced “Project Firefly,” an all-electric helicopter technology demonstrator, at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture exhibition. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

The Firefly Technology Demonstration Aircraft at EAA is part of the world symposium on electric aircraft. The demonstrator is one of the main attractions in the Aviation Learning Center along with other state-of-the-art commercially available and prototype electric aircraft.

Chris Van Buiten, Director of Sikorsky Innovations, today delivered a “walkaround” briefing of the demonstrator during EAA today. He is scheduled to present details on Project Firefly on Friday during the GE World Symposium on Electric Aircraft, as well as Saturday during a panel discussion on electric aviation and the Sikorsky Firefly demonstrator.

“Our objectives with Project Firefly are to provide a proof of principle concept to validate the benefits of an electrically powered rotorcraft; to develop the technologies to enable the manned flight of that technology, and to drive future development of improved, state-of-the-art ‘green’ technologies and practices,” Van Buiten said.

In building the demonstrator, the Innovations team replaced the legacy propulsion system of an S-300C^TM helicopter with a high-efficiency, electric motor and digital controller from U.S. Hybrid, coupled with a lithium ion energy storage system from Gaia. Integrated sensors provide real-time aircraft health information to the pilot through a panel integrated interactive LCD monitor. Eagle Aviation Technologies, LLC, executed the custom airframe modifications and assembly of the demonstrator aircraft.

“Many of the most significant advancements in aviation have been enabled by transformations in propulsion technology. It is exciting to be at the forefront of the exploration of electric propulsion technology for rotorcraft,” said Mark Miller, Vice President, Sikorsky Research & Engineering. “Through the electrical conversion, propulsion efficiency of the aircraft has been increased roughly 300 percent from baseline. Electric propulsion also inherently simplifies the complexity of the propulsion system by reducing the quantity of moving parts, increasing reliability while reducing direct operating costs.”

The demonstrator will feature a 190-horsepower electric motor, a motor controller, a battery system, and cockpit controls. First flight is anticipated later this year, upon completion of ground tests and safety of flight reviews in accordance with Sikorsky standard practice for all aircraft programs.

“With current energy storage technology, payload and endurance will fall short of typical helicopter performance. These values will grow as rapidly maturing technology is integrated on the demonstrator,” Miller added.

Features of the “Firefly” include:
• All-electric drive system
• Safe and efficient high-density energy storage system
• Automated monitoring and alert technologies
• Next generation cockpit displays

Sikorsky Innovations is an agile, networked group of Sikorsky employees and industry teammates dedicated to demonstrating innovative technology solutions to the toughest problems in vertical flight. Sikorsky Innovations is pursuing a broad range of advanced technologies, including the X2 Technology^TM demonstrator, aware and adaptive aircraft systems, and optionally piloted aircraft.

The mission of Sikorsky Innovations is to develop and mature the technologies, products and processes that will redefine the future of vertical flight. The organization builds on Sikorsky’s nearly 90 years of innovation and will increase the scope of previous efforts by expanding collaborative arrangements spanning government technology agencies, academic institutions, other UTC facilities, and entrepreneurial businesses where research and product development will take place in cooperation with Sikorsky’s engineers and technicians.

Source: Sikorsky

X2 Technology™ Demonstrator Achieves 225 Knots, Sets New Top Speed for Helicopter – Target Milestone of 250 Knots Looms in Q3 2010

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida – Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.’s X2 Technology™ demonstrator today unofficially broke the speed record for rotorcraft, achieving a maximum speed of 225 knots in a one-hour test flight at the Development Flight Center. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

X2 Technology demonstrator Chief Pilot Kevin Bredenbeck executed the successful record-breaking test flight. The previous record for a 3,500 kg class of rotorcraft – 216 knots – was set by a Westland Lynx in the mid-1980’s.

“The X2 Technology demonstrator’s latest flight is continuing to push the speed envelope, successfully flying approximately 50 knots faster than a traditional helicopter,” said Jim Kagdis, Program Manager, Advanced Programs. “Vibration levels and aircraft performance have continued to meet or exceed our expectations, so we are pleased to report that all systems are ‘go’ in our mission to achieve a 250-knot cruise speed later this year.”

In the demonstrator’s previous flight, a new tail configuration was incorporated to decrease pilot workload as the aircraft speed is increased, improving the overall aircraft handling qualities.

Mark Miller, Sikorsky Vice President of Research & Engineering, said, “The X2 Technology program is one of our Sikorsky Innovations initiatives to develop and mature the technologies, products and processes that will redefine the future of vertical flight. With each successful test flight, the X2 Technology demonstrator is carrying this forward and writing a new page in aviation history.”

The X2 Technology demonstrator combines an integrated suite of technologies intended to advance the state-of-the-art, counter-rotating coaxial rotor helicopter. It is designed to demonstrate that a helicopter can cruise comfortably at 250 knots while retaining such desirable attributes as excellent low-speed handling, efficient hovering, and a seamless and simple transition to high speed.

Source: Sikorsky

Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin Team to Jointly Pursue U.S. Air Force’s HH-60 Recap Helicopter Program

WASHINGTON, July 15th, 2010 — Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), and Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:LMT) will compete jointly for the contract to replace the U.S. Air Force’s fleet of combat search and rescue helicopters.

The two companies signed a teaming agreement formalizing their intent to offer an advanced version of Sikorsky’s UH-60M BLACK HAWK helicopter for the Air Force’s HH-60 Personnel Recovery Recapitalization program (HH-60 Recap). The agreement positions Sikorsky as prime contractor, with Lockheed Martin as the major subsystems supplier.

The HH-60 Recap program seeks to replace the 112 existing HH-60G PAVE HAWK™ helicopter fleet with an equal number of new aircraft requiring minimum airframe modification or mission systems development. The initial operational capability of eight aircraft — four trainers and four mission-ready aircraft, plus test aircraft — is expected in fiscal year 2015.

“Our team has the resources and experience to rapidly deliver the proven UH-60M airframe design with mature situational awareness sensors and mission systems,” said Scott Starrett, president of Sikorsky Military Systems. “We believe a UH-60M aircraft missionized for the complexities of the combat search and rescue mission will fit seamlessly into established Air Force training and logistics operations, thus providing a fiscally responsible and reliable platform for rescue operations.”

Sikorsky submitted a response to the U.S. Air Force’s HH-60 Recap request for information on April 23. The document details how the UH-60M helicopter would be manufactured and integrated as a low-risk, off-the-shelf solution for the combat search and rescue mission.

Operational with the U.S. Army (including as a medevac helicopter in the HH-60M configuration), the UH-60M features a strengthened airframe, wider rotor blades and more powerful engines than earlier-design BLACK HAWK helicopters. Sikorsky has delivered 200 ‘M’ model helicopters to the U.S. Army since 2005.

Lockheed Martin has provided integrated avionics and mission systems for other H-60 aircraft, including U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force special operations helicopters, and Air Force combat rescue helicopters. Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin also have a well established working relationship over 38 years, delivering more than 400 SH-60B and MH-60R/S mission-ready aircraft to the U.S. Navy.

“Lockheed Martin has 25 years of experience integrating mission systems for special operations and combat rescue helicopters,” said Dan Spoor, vice president of Lockheed Martin Aviation Systems. “We also can bring to the HH-60 Recap program the mature systems and readiness from our work on the prior CSAR-X competition.”

In April, the companies announced a teaming agreement to compete jointly for the U.S. Navy’s revived VXX Presidential Helicopter program. The companies will share facilities, experience and engineering talent for both opportunities.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 136,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2009 sales of $45.2 billion.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

Source: Lockheed Martin

Sikorsky Aircraft and RUAG Sign Letter of Cooperation for Aftermarket Services in Germany

STRATFORD, Connecticut – Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and RUAG today announced the signing of a Letter of Cooperation to explore aerospace industry cooperation that would assist in introducing the Cyclone™ multi-mission helicopter into Germany. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

“We see the potential for Maintenance and Repair Operation as well as integrated logistics support and completion capabilities for the Navy and Air Force programs in Germany, and are exploring the opportunities for cooperation with RUAG,” said Joseph Gigantelli, Sikorsky Vice President, European Sales.

“Our intent is to provide Germany with the best technology that is available in-country and from around the world, and in doing so, provide a technologically superior aircraft,” Gigantelli added.

RUAG’s experience and acknowledged competence in building, completing, modifying, upgrading and maintaining military and civil aircraft and helicopters make it a competent partner to the German and leading international aviation industries. The aerospace and defence group’s German production, design and maintenance facility is located in Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich and has been supporting helicopter fleets for the German forces and border patrol for more than 40 years.

“We highly value our cooperation with Sikorsky Aircraft as a world leader in helicopter production,” said Heinz Scholl, General Manager of Military Aircraft RUAG Germany. “The Letter of Cooperation will allow us to bring together the core strengths of both Sikorsky and RUAG. Sikorsky’s excellent product, combined with our expertise and experience in the German military aviation market, will guarantee products and services that best meet the customer’s specifications and expectations.”

The Cyclone helicopter provides multi-mission capabilities including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and search and rescue. The aircraft is a derivative of the S-92® helicopter, which gets its basic design from the BLACK HAWK helicopter, a proven, rugged and durable aircraft.

Among the features of the Cyclone aircraft are enhanced rotor and drive designs, bird strike protection, a flaw- and damage-tolerant design, and protection from turbine bursts. In addition, the aircraft have crashworthy seats, crash-resistant fuel systems, and High Intensity Radio Frequency (HIRF) and lightning protection.

Sikorsky has been growing its European business activities over the last several years. In 2007, PZL Mielec in Poland became a Sikorsky company and is the future manufacturer of the S-70i^TM BLACK HAWK helicopter. Sikorsky also is actively exploring business opportunities with strategic European entities for component manufacturing and service centers for the entire Sikorsky product line.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in aircraft design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

RUAG is an international technology group operating in the fields of aerospace and defence. The group’s holding company is located in Berne (Switzerland). RUAG’s production sites are located in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Sweden and the USA. The company employs a staff of 7,500 worldwide, with 2,000 working in Germany.

Envelope Expansion Continues as Sikorsky X2 TechnologyTM Demonstrator Flies Faster than the Average Helicopter

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida – Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.’s X2 Technology^TM demonstrator achieved a speed of 181 knots in a test flight today at the Sikorsky Development Flight Center. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

The X2 Technology demonstrator combines an integrated suite of technologies intended to advance the state-of-the-art, counter-rotating coaxial rotor helicopter. It is designed to demonstrate that a helicopter can cruise comfortably at 250 knots while retaining such desirable attributes as excellent low-speed handling, efficient hovering, and a seamless and simple transition to high speed. 

“The X2 Technology demonstrator today exceeded average helicopter speeds of a conventional helicopter, generally 160-170 knots,” said Jim Kagdis, Program Manager, Sikorsky Advanced Programs. “The demonstrator is proving out the technologies very well, from the active vibration control system to the fly-by-wire controls. There are no show stoppers here so far, and now the program turns a corner, as this completes phase three of four. We are flying forward to the 250-knot cruise speed.” 

The X2 Technology program began in 2005 when Sikorsky first committed resources and full funding for the program’s development. 

“For potential customers, this milestone is exciting news and a solid signal that these technologies are true and executable, performing the way we expected they would,” said Mark Miller, Sikorsky Vice President of Research & Engineering. “As the X2 Technology demonstrator prepares to write a new page in aviation history later this year, we will continue the conversation with our customers and look forward to mapping out future applications that will meet customer needs.” 

Among the innovative technologies the X2 Technology demonstrator employs are:
•Fly-by-wire flight controls
•Counter-rotating rigid rotor blades
•Hub drag reduction
•Active vibration control
•Integrated auxiliary propulsion system

Source: Sikorsky

Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin Announce Teaming Agreement to Compete for the VXX Presidential Helicopter Program

WASHINGTON, April 19th, 2010 — Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), and Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) today announced the signing of a teaming agreement to compete jointly for the U.S. Navy’s revived VXX Presidential Helicopter program. 

The agreement formally positions global helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky as the prime contractor offering its H-92™ medium-lift helicopter for the presidential transport mission with Lockheed Martin, a leading rotary wing systems integrator, as the major subsystems supplier.

Additionally, the two companies jointly submitted a response today to the U.S. Navy’s VXX request for information.  The document details how a Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin team would design and manufacture the H-92 helicopter with integrated systems for the “Marine One” mission.

“We’re thrilled to team with Lockheed Martin to provide taxpayers and the U.S. government with a common sense solution for the next presidential aircraft both in terms of economy and technology,” said Scott Starrett, president of Sikorsky Military Systems. “For nearly four decades, Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin have teamed successfully to produce Naval Hawk™ helicopters, so we have a proven and formidable track record as a team.”      

“Our VXX teaming agreement builds on an existing and highly successful 38-year relationship between Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky,” said Dan Spoor, Aviation Systems vice president at Lockheed Martin Mission Systems & Sensors in Owego, N.Y.  “Formally combining Sikorsky’s success building and supporting the Marine One fleet with our understanding of the systems integration requirements will allow our team to offer a low-risk transport solution to the Office of the President.”

Both companies have unique experience supporting presidential helicopters.  Sikorsky designed-and-built VH-3D and VH-60N aircraft — designated “Marine One” when the president is on board — have provided safe, reliable transport for the Office of the President since the 1960s.  In 2005, Lockheed Martin won the contract to build the replacement fleet.  The contract was terminated in 2009 at the convenience of the government after the program delivered nine test and pilot production aircraft.

In addition to the VXX teaming agreement, Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin also have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore business opportunities involving other Sikorsky programs.

The companies have extensive experience working together during four decades developing, delivering and supporting 400 operational SH-60B and MH-60R/S maritime helicopters to the U.S. Navy.

Source: Lockheed Martin

Sikorsky Aircraft Pitches Light Tactical Helicopter Concept for Armed Aerial Scout Mission

FORT WORTH, Texas – Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has offered its X2 Technology^TM Light Tactical Helicopter concept for the U.S. Army’s Armed Aerial Scout Program, the company announced today from the AAAA Annual Convention. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX). 

Sikorsky Aircraft formally submitted its response to the Department of Defense Request for Information on March 17. The Army is reviewing the alternatives for the program. In addition to the high-speed Light Tactical Helicopter (LTH), Sikorsky submitted information on other Sikorsky aircraft that could perform the mission, including the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter, depending on how the requirements are eventually defined. 

“The Army is preparing for Phase II of the Analysis of Alternatives to identify its future requirements for the AAS mission. We believe the LTH brings game-changing technology, offering significant improvements in ‘high-hot’ performance, speed, survivability,” said Steve Engebretson, Director of Sikorsky’s AAS program. 

A mockup of Sikorsky’s LTH aircraft is on display in the Sikorsky booth, #527, at the AAAA Convention in the Fort Worth Convention Center. 

The X2 TECHNOLOGY Light Tactical Helicopter multi-mission capabilities will meet both conventional U.S. Army and Special Operations future requirements in a variety of combat roles. Sikorsky Aircraft has invested in the LTH concept to illustrate its commitment to developing future capabilities that are achievable and affordable. X2 TECHNOLOGY is scalable to a variety of military missions including assault, armed reconnaissance, close-air support, combat search and rescue, and unmanned applications. 

The Defense Department has indicated it expects to need AAS aircraft in the next seven to 10 years. “With the X2 Technology Light Tactical Helicopter, the Army has the opportunity to introduce the next generation of helicopters through the Armed Aerial Scout program,” said Scott Starrett, President, Sikorsky Military Systems. “Using the X2 Technology features we are flying now on our Demonstrator aircraft, we believe the LTH will be able to operate at altitudes and air speeds no conventional helicopter can match. It offers potential maneuverability and survivability that will dramatically improve the way Army Aviation conducts combat operations.” The technology demonstrator aircraft, which achieved first flight in August 2008, is progressing toward the milestone of achieving 250 knot cruise speed. The project is funded entirely by Sikorsky. 

The X2 TECHNOLOGY^TM demonstrator combines an integrated suite of technologies intended to advance the state-of-the-art, counter-rotating coaxial rotor helicopter. It is designed to demonstrate a helicopter can cruise at 250 knots, while retaining such desirable helicopter attributes as excellent low speed handling, efficient hovering, safe autorotation, and a seamless and simple transition to high speed. Among the innovations the X2 Technology demonstrator employs are:
• Fly-by-wire flight controls
• Counter-rotating rigid rotor blades
• Hub drag reduction
• Active vibration control
• Integrated auxiliary propulsion system

Source: Sikorsky

Sikorsky Aerospace Services to Establish BLACK HAWK Helicopter Training Center For Latin America

BOGOTA, Colombia – Sikorsky Aerospace Services announced today an agreement with the Colombian Ministry of Defense to establish an S-70^TM BLACK HAWK Helicopter Training Facility at the Colombian Air Force Base in Melgar, Colombia. Sikorsky Aerospace Services is the aftermarket business of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

The Training Facility will offer a full motion BLACK HAWK helicopter simulator, providing the highest level of fidelity recognized in the industry, to support pilot training for the Colombian Armed Services as well as all Sikorsky military customers in Latin America. Structured as an offset program, the facility will be a launching point for development of Maintenance Repair and Overhaul services, spares and training center for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. 

“One goal of the new Training Facility is to further improve the operational readiness of the Colombian Armed Services as well as regional armed forces. With the third-largest fleet of BLACK HAWK helicopters in the world, Colombia is a very important customer,” said David Adler, President of Sikorsky Aerospace Services. “The Training facility also represents a major milestone toward our overall commitment to our customers in Latin America and is in line with our international strategic initiatives. We look forward to our continued expansion into the global military market.”

Source: Sikorsky

SIKORSKY’S SECOND PROTOTYPE S-76D HELICOPTER ACHIEVES FIRST FLIGHT

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida – Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has successfully completed the first flight of its second S-76D^TM helicopter. The prototype aircraft successfully completed its initial test card during a flight on March 19 that lasted approximately 30 minutes. The S-76D helicopter is the latest version of the S-76® helicopter. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

Sikorsky Chief Test Pilot Greg Barnes and Pilot Tom Davis conducted the test flight at Sikorsky’s Development Flight Center in Florida. The milestone brings the second of three prototypes into the test program. 

“The first flight of D2 is extremely important to the S-76D helicopter program as it allows us to begin testing the engines for certification credit. The team will run D2 through a series of rigorous tests to validate the performance of the new PW210S engines. Having two aircraft in flight test also provides the team more flexibility, and is critical to achieving our overall FAA certification of the S-76D helicopter,” said Jesse Bavaro, S-76D Helicopter Deputy Program Manager. 

Among the S-76D helicopter’s features are all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades; an advanced Thales avionics system and autopilot; dual rotor speed for quiet mode operation with active vibration control; powerful Pratt & Whitney 210S engines; a quiet mode; and an optional Rotor Ice Protection System (RIPS) for all-weather capability. The S-76D helicopter also will offer an increase in useful load and extended range performance versus the S-76C+^TM and S-76C++^TM aircraft currently fielded.

Source: Sikorsky

First S-70iTM Helicopter Fully Assembled at Sikorsky Facility in Poland

MIELEC, Poland – Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and PZL Mielec, its company in Poland, today announced the completion of final assembly on the first S-70i^TM BLACK HAWK helicopter, an international variant of the BLACK HAWK helicopter. This new international variant is the first BLACK HAWK helicopter assembled in Europe using a global supply chain. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).  

The helicopter, a new aircraft in the Sikorsky product line, also is the first rotor wing aircraft to be produced at PZL Mielec, a longtime fixed wing manufacturer in Poland.

The aircraft, fully assembled at PZL Mielec, will be tested and qualified at Sikorsky’s Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. Production flight tests are planned at PZL Mielec later this year as that facility continues to undergo modernization.

The milestone completion took place almost exactly three years to the day of PZL Mielec’s acquisition.

“In just three years, PZL Mielec has become a world-class facility capable of producing one of the finest utility helicopters operating today, the BLACK HAWK helicopter,” said Robert Kokorda, Sikorsky Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Synergy. “The production of the S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter here is expected to further the growing network of Polish companies participating in the building of BLACK HAWK aircraft for the world.”

PZL Mielec is planned to be the centerpiece of the S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter program for international customers. Debra A. Zampano, S-70i Program Manager, International Military Programs, said, “Our innovative company spirit is alive and well, and the S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter is an example of the collaboration of superb workmanship, advanced technology and pioneering legacy. With the S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter officially joining the Sikorsky product family today, we look forward to seeing this aircraft take its rightful place in the global community as a BLACK HAWK helicopter for all nations.”

Plans call for approximately 20 S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopters to be produced per year, beginning in 2012.

Janusz Zakrecki, President of PZL Mielec added, “As we witness the unveiling of the first BLACK HAWK helicopter built in Poland, we are sharing the pride in this significant milestone as it signals the important contributions of PZL Mielec to the global aerospace marketplace. This aircraft is a product of the long line of BLACK HAWK helicopters that have become the most battle-proven helicopter in the world. As we continue in this tradition, Mielec today takes a major step in leading Poland’s aerospace industry into the future, with a proven aircraft that is ready to meet Polish requirements and enhance European military helicopter fleets.”

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., USA, provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning potential production and sale of helicopters. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in government procurement priorities and practices, budget plans or availability of funding or in the number of aircraft to be built; challenges in the design, development, production and support of advanced technologies; as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in United Technologies Corporation’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

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