Schweizer Selects Jiangxi Changhe Aircraft to Provide 300CBi Helicopter Airframes

ZHUHAI, China, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- ZHUHAI AIR SHOW -- Schweizer Aircraft has selected Jiangxi Changhe Aircraft Company to supply airframe components and assemblies for the Schweizer 300CBi helicopter. Schweizer Aircraft is a unit of Sikorsky Aircraft, which is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

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This contract is the first project completed under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) announced June 1 between Sikorsky and China Aviation Industry Corporation II (AVIC II) for collaboration on the development and manufacture of civil helicopters. AVIC II is the parent company of Jiangxi Changhe.

"Sikorsky is excited to see the execution of one of the key strategies outlined in the MOU," said Carey Bond, Sikorsky vice president for corporate strategy and advanced programs. "Sikorsky is committed to investing in China and developing additional strategic partnerships with AVIC II."

Schweizer 300CBi helicopters are used worldwide for training, transportation, aerial photography, airborne patrol, and many other missions. Changhe will ship the airframe and detail parts that it manufactures to Schweizer's Elmira, New York. USA facility, where 300CBi helicopters will be assembled, test flown and delivered to customers.

"This agreement is part of Sikorsky's on-going effort to develop strategic global partnerships and business arrangements that create new opportunities for both parties," Bond said. "Demand for the 300CBi remains strong. Adding Changhe to the supply chain will enable Schweizer to increase its production rate, better meet customer requirements and provide additional customer value for a world-class product."

Under the MOU announced in June, Sikorsky and AVIC II agreed to discuss helicopter manufacturing, assembly, flight test, engineering design and analysis, and new product development in the light, intermediate, and medium classes.

"AVIC II and its subsidiaries have excellent design and manufacturing capabilities, and Sikorsky is proud of this partnership," Bond said. "The MOU laid a strong foundation for cooperation and we continue to discuss additional future strategic partnerships."

In June Sikorsky announced plans to expand Schweizer with a new 100,000 square-foot Rapid Prototyping and Military Derivatives Completion Center to serve as the primary completion center for BLACK HAWK and Naval Hawk derivative aircraft beginning in 2007.

The agreement with Changhe will free resources at Schweizer to meet expected future demand for BLACK HAWK and Naval Hawk derivatives, covert surveillance aircraft, the RQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned air vehicle, and prototyping work on the X2 Technology(TM) demonstrator.

Sikorsky's business relationship with AVIC II dates back more than a decade to the development of the S-92A(TM) helicopter, the world's newest medium-lift helicopter. Jiangxi Changhe manufactures the S-92A helicopter tail pylon.

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