Sikorsky Aerospace Services Selects Cobham's Advanced Avionics Suite For S-61 Modernization Program

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.

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