Sikorsky, Lider Sign for Two S-76C++(TM) Helicopters

ORLANDO, Fla., March 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and Lider Aviacao signed a contract for two S-76C++(TM) aircraft in a ceremony held at Heli-Expo 2007 today. This contract continues the 30-year relationship between these companies. Sikorsky Aircraft, based in Stratford, Conn., is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

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Sikorsky and Lider also executed a delivery position agreement for four S- 76D(TM) aircraft, with an option for six additional aircraft, securing Lider as the launch operator for the aircraft in Latin America.

The S-76C++ aircraft are slated for delivery by the first quarter of 2008 and will operate in Brazil in support of offshore oil operations.

These agreements come on the heels of Sikorsky's recent delivery of six S- 76C++ aircraft to Lider in late 2006. Lider has been operating the S-76(R) aircraft since the mid-1990s and is considered a leading helicopter operator in Latin America, with a total of 31 S-76-type helicopters supporting off- shore operations in Brazil.

"We are delighted that Lider has selected the S-76C++ for its current and future offshore transportation requirements, and appreciate the confidence that Lider has shown in Sikorsky," said Sikorsky President Jeffrey Pino.

The S-76C++, which first entered service in 2005, includes new more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2S2 Engines, an inlet barrier filter to protect the engine against erosion and environmental contaminants, new Health and Usage Monitoring System, and a quiet main gearbox utilizing Quiet Zone(TM) technology that will significantly reduce interior noise levels without any weight, maintenance or Time Between Overhaul penalties. The S-76C++ engines provide approximately 350 pounds of additional payload capacity on hot days at high altitude compared to an S-76C+.

The launch of the S-76D model was first announced in February 2005 as a series of engine, air vehicle, interior and avionics upgrades that ensure that the venerable S-76 product line will remain best-in-class in the corporate VIP, offshore oil, airline, EMS/ search-and-rescue and law enforcement segments.

Product improvements on the S-76D include new composite main rotor blades, new quiet tail rotor, rotor icing protection system, an all-new Thales cockpit, and a new Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210 engine.

More than 220 operators in 59 countries are currently flying S-76 helicopters. The S-76 fleet has accumulated more than four million flight hours since the first aircraft was delivered in 1979.

Established in 1958, Lider employs more than 1,300 employees, providing customized solutions in aviation. Lider fulfills all the typical needs of a corporate aviation customer through its various units, which includes aircraft sales, insurance, maintenance, plane and helicopter chartering, airport service and air ambulance.

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