Sikorsky Aircraft hosted a media event to announce three major milestones with local Turkish companies during the IDEF 2009. The event was hosted by Sikorsky’s Vice President of Strategic Partnership Steve Estill and Vice President of Sales for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa Joseph Gigantelli. Distinguished guests included H.E. Murad Bayar, Turkey’s Undersecretary for Defense Industries and H.E. James Jeffrey, Ambassador of the United States of America to Turkey.
Sikorsky and Alp Aviation Sign Agreement at IDEF

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and Alp Aviation signed a MOU initiating the process to establish Alp as a qualified supplier of International BLACK HAWK helicopter transmission systems.

“Twenty years ago, Sikorsky sold the first BLACK HAWK helicopters to Turkey and began developing its relationship in industrial participation that has grown into a significant business relationship,” said Stephen B. Estill, Sikorsky Vice President, Strategic Partnerships. “This MOU demonstrates Sikorsky’s long-term commitment to Turkey, as its fulfillment would include the transfer of important technology to build transmission systems for the International BLACK HAWK helicopter. Its signing recognizes Alp Aviation as a highly valuable and reliable component manufacturer to support Sikorsky’s offering for the Turkish Utility Helicopter Program and positions Alp to supply the International BLACK HAWK S-70i™ Program. This arrangement also helps in strengthening our position in Europe.”

Tuncer Alpata, President of Alp Aviation, said the MOU strengthens the ongoing and successful relationship between Alp and Sikorsky. “Alp Aviation is proud of this partnership and the trust that Sikorsky has shown in the capabilities of Turkish industry. This technology transfer will continue to strengthen Alp Aviation’s position in the global rotary wing industry.”
Sikorsky Aerospace Services to Explore Joint Venture with MilSOFT ICT

Sikorsky Aerospace Services signed (MOU) with MilSOFT ICT to explore the formation of a joint venture to develop, market and support a suite of fleet management software tools. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.

The prospective joint venture entity would be located in Ankara, Turkey, and offer sophisticated software, including comprehensive maintenance and material management tools with an advanced suite of diagnostic modules, electronic technical manuals, and web-based training that can be used to support any complex weapons system, including tanks, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), ships and ground vehicles.

“This alliance would provide Turkey with a 21st century fleet management system,” said David Adler, President of Sikorsky Aerospace Services. “The system will aid in lowering operating costs while increasing fleet readiness and availability, both of which are key measures for any aircraft operator. We are confident that together, Sikorsky Aerospace Services and MilSOFT, will exceed the demanding requirements for service and support of the Turkish helicopter fleet.”

Aerospace Industries (TAI) Delivers First S-70i BLACK HAWK Helicopter Tailcone
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TAI) celebrated the delivery of the first tailcone produced by TAI for the S-70i™ BLACK HAWK helicopter to be built in Poland. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

The tailcone (serial # 001) was shipped recently from TAI’s facility in Ankara, Turkey, to Sikorsky’s affiliate, PZL Mielec, in Poland, where it was joined to the cabin of an S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter earlier this month. Production of the S-70i helicopter at PZL Mielec was planned since the acquisition of the company in 2007. Delivery of the first S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter is expected to occur by the end of 2010, representing a potential increase in BLACK HAWK production for TAI.

As many as 36 S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopters are expected to be produced per year from that facility.

“TAI’s recent delivery of the first tailcone to Sikorsky’s Polish affiliate PZL Mielec brings us one step closer to the delivery of the first S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter, and its introduction to the international community,” said Stephen B. Estill, Sikorsky Vice President, Strategic Partnerships. “The BLACK HAWK helicopter is the workhorse of U.S. Army aviation, used in a multi-mission role in challenging combat environments such as Iraq and Afghanistan, and with this first tailcone delivery, we will write a new history for this aircraft.”

Sikorsky and Turkish Aerospace Industries have had a long relationship in the manufacture of BLACK HAWK helicopter components. Since 2000, TAI has produced more than 1,600 empennage components for Sikorsky’s global fleet of BLACK HAWK helicopter derivatives.