First S-70i™ BLACK HAWK Helicopter Completes its Debut Flight

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., July 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The first S-70i™ BLACK HAWK helicopter has successfully completed its first flight, officially launching an international variant and the newest Sikorsky Aircraft product to follow in the legacy of the BLACK HAWK helicopter. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

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Aircraft 0001, the first in the new product line, was built at PZL Mielec, a Sikorsky Aircraft company in Poland. PZL Mielec has been established as the hub of the S-70i program for international customers. The successful first flight of the S-70i aircraft took place on July 1 at the Sikorsky Development Flight Center.

"Aeronautical history was made today with the first flight of the S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter. This aircraft has been designed and developed by an international team and is ready for the world market," said Debra A. Zampano, S-70i Senior Program Manager, International Military Programs.

"We weathered the challenges of any development program by collaborating with our partners in Poland and our global suppliers. The language of innovation is universal, and the success of this program is proof of that: We are celebrating a key milestone of first flight executed on time and flawlessly."

This new international variant utilizes a global supply chain and is the first BLACK HAWK helicopter ever to be assembled in Europe.

"As Sikorsky Aircraft continues to grow internationally, we recognize the significance of this new integration of manufacturing and supply chain activities as a major leap forward for our company," said Michael Ambrose, Vice President, International Military Programs.  "The S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter brings together new technologies, new manufacturing capabilities, and a new design, all of which have resulted in the most advanced, tactical multi-mission helicopter that will provide reliable and safe transportation for militaries around the world."

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.  

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning potential production and sale of helicopters. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in government procurement priorities and practices, budget plans or availability of funding or in the number of aircraft to be built; challenges in the design, development, production and support of advanced technologies; as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in United Technologies Corporation's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

SOURCE Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.