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buglerbilly
09-06-10, 03:11 PM
Sikorsky Aerospace Services and ZFL Announce Memorandum of Understanding for Aftermarket Services in Germany

(Source: Sikorsky Aerospace Services; issued June 8, 2010)

STRATFORD, Conn. --- Sikorsky Aerospace Services and ZF Luftfahrttechnik GmbH (ZF Aviation Technology, ZFL) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly explore opportunities for delivering improved aftermarket support to the German armed forces and introducing the Cyclone multi-mission helicopter into Germany. Sikorsky Aerospace Services is the aftermarket division of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, Helicopter Support, Inc. (HSI), a business unit of Sikorsky Aerospace Services, and ZFL will explore, identify and discuss projects of mutual interest and collaborative efforts in connection with the concept of improved spare parts delivery and technical support for the German armed forces.

"This MOU allows us to consider the aftermarket services that could be possible through a synergistic relationship with ZFL, and we will continue to move forward to identify the ways in which our two companies can work together for our mutual success," said Samir Mehta, President, HSI.

Joseph Gigantelli, Sikorsky Vice President, European Sales, added: "As we explore the opportunities for participation with German industry, we are seeing the potential for the Cyclone helicopter to be a viable option for the German Air Force and Navy."

"Our intent is to provide Germany with the best technology that is available in-country and from around the world, and in doing so, provide a technologically superior aircraft," Gigantelli added.

The Cyclone helicopter provides multi-mission capabilities including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and search and rescue. The aircraft is a derivative of the S-92 helicopter, which gets its basic design from the Black Hawk helicopter, a proven, rugged and durable aircraft.

"We highly value our long standing cooperation with Sikorsky Aircraft and look forward to expanding our business in a slightly different role," said Peter Tolksdorf, Director of Defense Programs, ZFL. "The MOU is another step toward strengthening our relationship with Sikorsky."

Sikorsky Aerospace Services provides comprehensive support for rotary and fixed wing aircraft around the world. It offers its military and commercial customers a full portfolio of support services. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

ZF Luftfahrttechnik GmbH (ZF Aviation Technology, ZFL) as part of the ZF worldwide group is an aerospace company with long history and experience in design, development, manufacture, overhaul, repair and different support for dynamic components since 1957, supporting various types of military and civil helicopters. The company is also world leader in the design, manufacture and installing of test stands relating to gearboxes, rotor heads and rotor blades. (ends)

Sikorsky Aircraft and RUAG Sign Letter of Cooperation for Aftermarket Services in Germany

(Source: Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.; issued June 8, 2010)

STRATFORD, Conn. --- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and RUAG today announced the signing of a Letter of Cooperation to explore aerospace industry cooperation that would assist in introducing the Cyclone multi-mission helicopter into Germany. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.

“We see the potential for Maintenance and Repair Operation as well as integrated logistics support and completion capabilities for the Navy and Air Force programs in Germany, and are exploring the opportunities for cooperation with RUAG,” said Joseph Gigantelli, Sikorsky Vice President, European Sales.

“Our intent is to provide Germany with the best technology that is available in-country and from around the world, and in doing so, provide a technologically superior aircraft,” Gigantelli added.

RUAG’s experience and acknowledged competence in building, completing, modifying, upgrading and maintaining military and civil aircraft and helicopters make it a competent partner to the German and leading international aviation industries. The aerospace and defence group’s German production, design and maintenance facility is located in Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich and has been supporting helicopter fleets for the German forces and border patrol for more than 40 years.

“We highly value our cooperation with Sikorsky Aircraft as a world leader in helicopter production,” said Wolfgang Neumann, Head of Sales & Programs Military Aircraft. “The Letter of Cooperation will allow us to bring together the core strengths of both Sikorsky and RUAG. Sikorsky’s excellent product, combined with our expertise and experience in the German military aviation market, will guarantee products and services that best meet the customer’s specifications and expectations.”

The Cyclone helicopter provides multi-mission capabilities including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and search and rescue. The aircraft is a derivative of the S-92 helicopter, which gets its basic design from the BLACK HAWK helicopter, a proven, rugged and durable aircraft.

Among the features of the Cyclone aircraft are enhanced rotor and drive designs, bird strike protection, a flaw- and damage-tolerant design, and protection from turbine bursts. In addition, the aircraft have crashworthy seats, crash-resistant fuel systems, and High Intensity Radio Frequency (HIRF) and lightning protection.

Sikorsky has been growing its European business activities over the last several years. In 2007, PZL Mielec in Poland became a Sikorsky company and is the future manufacturer of the S-70i Black Hawk helicopter. Sikorsky also is actively exploring business opportunities with strategic European entities for component manufacturing and service centers for the entire Sikorsky product line.

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

RUAG is an international technology group operating in the fields of aerospace and defence. The group’s holding company is located in Berne (Switzerland). RUAG’s production sites are located in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Sweden and the USA. The company employs a staff of 7,500 worldwide, with 2,000 working in Germany.

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buglerbilly
09-06-10, 03:55 PM
Sikorsky Eyes German Helo Programs

Jun 9, 2010



By Robert Wall

BERLIN — Sikorsky wants to leverage work on the CH-148 Cyclone in Canada to pursue Germany’s requirement for a new maritime helo and to address the Luftwaffe’s demand for a combat search and rescue (CSAR) helicopter.

The U.S. manufacturer and its systems partner General Dynamics Canada are now putting in place industrial partnerships in Germany to help convince the government that it should consider the S-92-derived offering; those efforts are now gaining strength with export approvals in hand from Washington. If successful, the Cyclones that Germany would buy would be assembled in the country, says Paul Gigantelli, Sikorsky’s vice president for sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The German navy is looking to buy around 30 helos to replace Sea Kings and meet new ship needs. Gigantelli says that for that requirement, the Cyclone would be an easy match with few changes required. What’s more, he says the Canadian program will deliver first, reducing risk to the German customer.

The CH-148 program, which has suffered delays in Canada, is now slated to see the initial operational-configuration helos delivered this year, with the first of the final configuration CH-148s to follow in 2012 — the last of the rotorcraft would be handed over to the Canadian customer in late 2013. Four rotorcraft are currently in flight trials.

Gigantelli concedes that meeting the Luftwaffe need for eight firm and 11 option CSAR helos is more challenging. Talks are now underway with the customer to determine what their primary technical and operational requirements are and to determine if there are tradeoffs that could be made.

Although the navy and air force programs are being run separately, Sikorsky hopes to convince the German government of the benefits of commonality in logistics support and training.

What’s more, Gigantelli views the effort to build industrial ties in Germany for the Cyclone as a good stepping stone to introducing the CH-53K here for the country’s future heavy-lift rotorcraft requirement.

Credit: Sikorsky