India’s
Navy has selected Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies
Corp. to fulfill the service’s Multi-Role Helicopter requirement
for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare (ASW/ASuW), among other
maritime roles. Negotiations will now begin to procure 16 S-70B SEAHAWK
helicopters, with an option for eight additional aircraft, along with
a complete logistics support and training program. |
“India’s
selection of the S-70B helicopter represents a major strategic win for
Sikorsky in an important growth market, and positions us well for future
opportunities,” said Mick Maurer, President of Sikorsky Aircraft.
“We look forward to a long-term collaboration with the Indian
Government and local industry as we work to bring the Indian Navy the
highly advanced multi-role S-70B aircraft.”
The proposed Indian Navy S-70B variant will include avionics and flexible
open architecture Weapons Management Systems that integrate an advanced
sonar, 360 degree search radar, modern air-to-surface missiles, and
torpedoes for the ASW role. A blade and tail fold capability will facilitate
shipboard storage.
The S-70B aircraft will also enhance the Indian Navy’s capabilities
to perform non-combat maritime roles, including search and rescue, utility
and external cargo lift, surveillance and casualty evacuation.
Sikorsky has fielded increasingly more capable variants of the S-70B
helicopter since 1984 for navies that prefer to acquire a modern, fully
integrated ASW/ASuW platform direct from the manufacturer. Now operational
in six countries (in Europe, Middle East, Asia and Latin America), the
S-70B platform has a solid reputation for highly reliable shipboard
operations and maintenance while operating aboard frigates and larger
naval vessels.
The S-70B aircraft is part of Sikorsky’s SEAHAWK helicopter family
(including the SH-60 and MH-60 models) that has accumulated almost four
million flight hours from more than 800 operational aircraft, and is
considered one of the safest platforms available.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Connecticut, is a world
leader in aircraft design, manufacture and service. United Technologies
Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, provides high-technology products
and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning opportunities
for development, 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, availability of
funding and in the type and number of aircraft required; 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. |
