Sikorsky S-92(R) Helicopter Fleet Reaches 100,000 Flight Hour Milestone

FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW, July 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sikorsky Aircraft's S-92(R) helicopter fleet continues to perform at an impressive operational tempo with the fleet recently passing 100,000 total flight hours, the company announced today at the Farnborough International Air Show. Sikorsky Aircraft, based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

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The first production S-92 helicopter was delivered in late 2004. There are now 67 S-92 helicopters in operation. Eleven of the S-92 helicopters currently in service fly an estimated 130-170 hours per month; 13 of the aircraft have more than 3,500 flight hours to date. Operational availability for the S-92 fleet averaged 91 percent in 2007.

"The marketplace is driving the need for the S-92 helicopter in the offshore oil segment in particular," said Marc Poland, Sikorsky Vice President, Commercial Programs. "The challenging conditions that exist today require a tough and reliable aircraft to fill that need, and the S-92 helicopter has proven itself to be precisely that kind of aircraft."

The S-92 helicopter is a multi-mission medium helicopter used in a variety of roles including offshore oil, executive transport, search and rescue, and Head of State.

The S-92 is the first helicopter in the world certified to the latest U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and European Joint airworthiness safety standards. The S-92 features a Rotor Ice Protection System (RIPS), which allows the aircraft to operate in known icing conditions. RIPS has been certified by both North American and European aviation authorities and is available on S-92 military variants as well as commercial aircraft.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture 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(TM)." 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 industries.