Sikorsky Aircraft Selects CH-53K Main Engines

STRATFORD, Conn., Dec. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sikorsky Aircraft has selected General Electric Aviation to provide the new CH-53K heavy lift helicopter's main engines. Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. , is developing the CH-53K for the United States Marine Corps (USMC).

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The three-engine CH-53K will replace the CH-53E SUPER STALLION(TM) helicopter. The GE38-1B engine planned for the CH-53K is a derivative of the CFE738 commercial turbofan engine and the US Navy T407 turboprop engine. The CH-53K contract and subsequent planned production program could lead to the manufacture of 156 aircraft.

The current Sikorsky CH-53E SUPER STALLION(TM) aircraft is the largest, most powerful maritime helicopter in the world. The Navy deploys them from amphibious assault ships to transport personnel and equipment, and to carry external cargo.

Upgrades slated for the CH-53K include performance, maintenance and survivability enhancements, and reduced operation and support costs.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacturing, 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.

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning future business opportunities. 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 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.