Military

Hamilton Sundstrand to supply fly-by-wire flight control computers and actuators for new CH-53K helicopters

Jun. 18, 2007
PARIS AIR SHOW -
Hamilton Sundstrand, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), has been selected to supply advanced fly-by-wire flight control computers, and primary main and tail rotor actuators for the U.S. Marines' CH-53K heavy lift helicopter fleet.

The contract includes design, development and production work. Design and development will begin immediately with first hardware deliveries scheduled for 2008. This agreement has a potential value of more than $150 million, and could reach more than $250 million with a subsequent production contract and based on current program projections.

Built by Sikorsky Aircraft, the CH-53K will be the world's premier heavy lift helicopter. Replacing the current inventory of CH-53E helicopters, the CH-53K is scheduled to achieve its Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in 2015.

Claverham Ltd., a U.K.-based business unit of Hamilton Sundstrand, and the Windsor Locks, Conn.,-based Dynamic Controls business unit, will design and manufacture the major elements for the primary flight control system.

Sikorsky awarded Hamilton Sundstrand a similar contract in 2005 for the U.S. Army's UH-60M BLACK HAWK helicopter fleet in a deal with a potential value of $300 million.

"The scope and breadth of Hamilton Sundstrand's a fly-by-wire product family is unmatched in the rotorcraft industry with the addition of the CH-53K program," said Bob Leduc, president of Hamilton Sundstrand's Flight Systems business. "The CH-53K will feature the most powerful fly-by-wire actuators in the world."

"The flight control computers offered by Hamilton Sundstrand for the CH-53K program provide the combined benefits of high-value and low-risk. Two-thirds of the control elements and software are common to the new state-of-the-art flight control computers on the BLACK HAWK program," added Joe Triompo, president of Hamilton Sundstrand's Engine & Control Systems business.

Hamilton Sundstrand and Sikorsky are subsidiaries of United Technologies. With 2006 revenues of $5 billion, Hamilton Sundstrand employs approximately 17,500 people worldwide and is headquartered in Windsor Locks, Conn., U.S.A. Among the world's largest suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and industrial products, the company designs, manufactures and services aerospace systems and provides integrated system solutions for commercial, regional, corporate and military aircraft. It also is a major supplier for international space programs.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacturing and service. The company’s mission statement reflects its long commitment to safety and innovation: "We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere … every time™."

United Technologies Corp., of Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

This release includes "forward looking statements" concerning expected revenue and other matters that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in forward looking statements include the health of the global economy and the strength of end market demand in the aerospace industry; and company specific items including the ability to achieve cost reductions at planned levels; challenges in the design, development, production and support of advanced technologies and new products; and delays and disruption in delivery of materials and services from suppliers;. For information identifying other important economic, political, regulatory, legal, technological, competitive and other uncertainties, see UTC's SEC filings as submitted from time to time, including but not limited to, the information included in UTC's 10-K and 10-Q Reports under the headings "Business," "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Cautionary Note Concerning Factors that May Affect Future Results," as well as the information included in UTC's Current Reports on Form 8-K.

Contact:
Dan Coulom
Chalet A409
01 41 57 11 50
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Hall 5, B19 & 20
Hamilton Sundstrand