FARNBOROUGH, England, July 17 /PRNewswire/ -- FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL
AIR SHOW -- Sikorsky Aircraft today announced plans to develop two new
BLACK HAWK helicopter offerings for global market that will provide
additional firepower and mission flexibility while building upon the
combat-proven heritage of the world's most successful medium lift utility
rotorcraft. Sikorsky Aircraft, based in Stratford, Conn., is a business
unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060403/SIKORSKYLOGO )
Sikorsky President Jeffrey Pino outlined the new BLACK HAWKs during a
media briefing at the Farnborough International Air Show.
* An International BLACK HAWK helicopter produced with global partners and
delivered from outside the United States. The International BLACK HAWK
will provide multi-mission, 10-ton utility lift capability at a price
comparable to helicopters in the 6-to-8 ton class.
* An Armed BATTLEHAWK(TM) helicopter with an integrated electronics
warfare suite and full compliment of armaments either as a new build
aircraft or as a kit that can be retrofitted onto existing BLACK HAWK
platforms. BATTLEHAWK will provide a combination of medium lift
capability and firepower that cannot be duplicated by current dedicated
utility or attack platforms
"The International BLACK HAWK and Armed BATTLEHAWK will incorporate new
technologies, state-of-the-art systems and modern manufacturing
techniques," Pino said. "These new models build upon the legacy of
excellence and continuous improvement that has characterized the BLACK HAWK
throughout its history. As technology has changed and improved, the BLACK
HAWK platform has evolved so that it continues to set the standard for
versatile multi-mission medium lift utility helicopters."
Both will remain true to the BLACK HAWK's legendary combat-proven
heritage. To emphasize the point, Pino displayed a photo of a BLACK HAWK
flown by an international customer that returned home safely after a rocket
propelled grenade blasted a gapping hole in the fuselage. "The BLACK HAWK
has proven time after time that it is capable, durable and survivable,"
Pino said.
The International BLACK HAWK will be designed with a modular platform
that can be configured to meet specific customer requirements. Common
elements will include a digital cockpit with four-axis advanced flight
control systems, coupled flight director, active vibration controls, and
dual pilot IFR. "This platform will accommodate customer demand with an
affordable, capable, and adaptable aircraft," Pino said.
Sikorsky plans to build, assemble and deliver the International BLACK
HAWK for global customers outside the United States. Doing so will allow
Sikorsky to focus domestic operations on U.S. military production and
ensure that the company can build the International BLACK HAWK for the
global market within an affordable cost structure.
Sikorsky is currently evaluating several companies from various
countries to take part in the project. "This is part of Sikorsky's
long-range strategic objective to globalize operations and expand our
supply base with qualified, cost-competitive manufacturers and service
providers from across the world," Pino said.
Key milestones in the program will be validation of the financial model
and formalization of agreements with the international participants in the
program.
The Armed BATTLEHAWK will come equipped with a full suite of armed
reconnaissance and attack capabilities, including an integrated helmet
display, C4I system, missiles, rockets, and a turreted gun. "Shrinking
budgets and changing battlefield environments call for an effective multi-
purpose aircraft for governments that have both an attack and utility
requirement," Pino said.
Armed BATTLEHAWK will provide medium lift capability that can be used
in either combat or peace time, including troop transport, search and
rescue, and disaster relief. "Armed BATTLEHAWK will save resources and
provide operational efficiencies by reducing the need for additional
platforms, training facilities, and support infrastructure," Pino said.
More than 2,800 BLACK HAWK variants have been delivered to 25
governments worldwide since 1978, accumulating more than 7 million combined
flight hours.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, based in Stratford, Conn., is a world
leader in helicopter design, manufacturing 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.
This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning
future business opportunities. 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 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.
http://www.sikorsky.com
SOURCE Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
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Related links:
http://www.sikorsky.com
Photo Notes:http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060403/SIKORSKYLOGO
CONTACT:
Ed Steadham of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation,
+1-203-386-7143, Mobile +1-203-209-5170, esteadham@sikorsky.com
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