SHELTON, Conn., Feb. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) today announced plans to equip Sikorsky's modernized S-61T™ helicopter with a suite of advanced avionics provided by S-TEC Corporation/Cobham Commercial Systems (Cobham) of Mineral Wells, Texas.  In early 2010, the U.S. Department of State entered into an IDIQ (indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity) agreement to purchase up to 110 modernized S-61 helicopters for passengers and cargo transport missions worldwide.  SAS is the aftermarket business of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky), a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation (UTC) (NYSE: UTX).

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"Sikorsky's S-61 helicopter has a 50-year legacy of reliably performing missions for the U.S. and foreign allied militaries.  With its rugged endurance, spaciousness, and lift capabilities, the modernized S-61 aircraft can be outfitted to meet a wide variety of requirements.  It provides superior value for a mid-size multi-mission helicopter," said John Johnson, Director, Commercial Customer Support and S-61 Programs.  "We are pleased to work with Cobham, which has a solid reputation for innovation and system performance in harsh conditions."

Decommissioned legacy S-61 aircraft are being converted into a modernized S-61T fleet that incorporate a full array of system upgrades for enhanced mission performance.  The IDIQ serves as a contracting vehicle for any U.S. Government agency to purchase the modernized S-61T variant.  The integrated avionics package features large-format synthetic vision flight displays, advanced flight management capability, integrated Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System (EICAS), dual digital audio/radio control display units, dual VHF navigation, and communication radios.  

"Cobham Commercial Systems is excited to be part of Sikorsky's modernization of the S-61 helicopter" said Roger J. Smith, General Manager, Cobham Commercial Systems, Mineral Wells. "We are proud to have been selected to enhance the mission performance of Sikorsky's S-61T aircraft with Cobham's intuitive 21st century cockpit."

Cobham's advanced avionics suite also includes an automatic direction finding system, a distance measuring system, an integrated digital audio/radio management system incorporating aft-cabin audio control.  With integration of navigation, communications and warning systems that provide real-time information, Cobham's avionics suite reduces pilot workload, enhances safety, and improves situational awareness.  The modernized S-61T aircraft also offers its operators superior performance at a reasonable purchase price, with efficient operating costs and intrinsic resale value.

Cobham Commercial Systems makes helicopter and airplane flight safer, simpler, more efficient, and more comfortable from takeoff to landing.  The business unit develops, deploys, and supports technologies for Civil General Aviation, Military, Search & Rescue, Law Enforcement, OEM, and retrofit markets around the world. 

SAS is the worldwide aftermarket business of Sikorsky, a wholly-owned subsidiary of UTC.  SAS provides comprehensive support to rotary and fixed wing aircraft throughout the world.  It offers its military and commercial operators a full portfolio of support services, including material distribution, maintenance, overhaul & repair, aircraft modifications, and life-cycle support.  Sikorsky, based in Stratford, Connecticut, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service.  UTC, based in Hartford, Connecticut, provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide.

SOURCE Sikorsky Aerospace Services