BANGKOK, Feb. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.'s S-92® "Legacy of Heroes" (LOH) helicopter will visit Thailand this week as part of its world tour, continuing to demonstrate the aircraft's capability to customers while saluting first responders in the Asia region. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120220/NE56565 )

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20060403/SIKORSKYLOGO )

The Thailand trip will feature several demonstrations of the aircraft for customers. The major sectors of the Thailand military forces fly Sikorsky helicopters including the Royal Thai Army, which flies the BLACK HAWK helicopter; the Royal Thai Air Force, which flies the S-92® helicopter; and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), which flies SEAHAWK and S-76® helicopters. Sikorsky helicopters operated by the Royal Thai Navy recently supported the RTN's efforts during serious flooding, as well as during search and rescue efforts during the devastating tsunami of 2004.

The tour's stop in Thailand follows a series of successful visits in Asia that included Malaysia, Brunei, and most recently, Singapore, where the LOH helicopter was featured on static display at the Singapore Air Show.

"The Legacy of Heroes tour is coming off a successful visit to Singapore. It drew thousands of visitors to its static display at the air show, and continues to be welcomed for its message of honoring those who put their lives on the line to save others," said Carey Bond, President of Sikorsky Global Helicopters and Chief Marketing Officer.

To date, the LOH helicopter has flown more than 100 hours on the tour, with approximately 43 of those hours spent in Asia.

Christophe Nurit, Sikorsky Vice President of Sales for the Asia region, said: "Sikorsky helicopters have been operating in Thailand for quite some time, so the LOH visit there this week is a nice opportunity for our customers to engage with this unique utility aircraft while we are 'in the neighborhood.' This tour highlights the importance of helicopters as a rescue tool to save lives, and we are happy to have a chance to recognize those who fly such important missions."

The Legacy of Heroes helicopter was customized by employees at Sikorsky Global Helicopters' main facility in Coatesville, Pa., USA. It is a utility-configured S-92 aircraft bearing a unique gray and black paint scheme with a silhouette of first responders depicted on each side. The aircraft is fitted with side-facing seats, a triple-litter kit, search-and-rescue Automatic Flight Control System, and night sun capabilities.

The tour commenced in the United States in September 2011. From Thailand, it will head to India for an extended visit to several cities there. A six-member crew is conducting briefings to showcase the multi-mission capability of the aircraft, and participating in first responder recognition ceremonies to provide community support along the way.

The company has created a microsite on the Internet to provide regular updates on the tour's activities. It can be accessed at www.SikorskyLegacy.com.

S-92 helicopters perform search and rescue (SAR) missions as well as a variety of transportation missions for VIPs including Heads of State, offshore oil and gas crews, utility and airline passengers. The worldwide fleet of 151 S-92 helicopters has accumulated nearly 400,000 flight hours since deliveries began in 2004. The S-92 helicopter was certified to FAA/EASA harmonized Part 29 requirements, as amended through Amendment 47. The S-92 helicopter remains the only aircraft to have been certified to this rigorous airworthiness standard without exception or waiver.

Sikorsky Global Helicopters, a Sikorsky company, develops and produces civil certified helicopters and their derivatives. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, 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 industries.

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SOURCE Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.

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