Sikorsky, Carson to update S-61 helicopters

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., announced Tuesday an agreement with Carson Helicopters Inc. to modernize the S-61 helicopter, also known as the Sea King.

The S-61 helicopter began flying in 1959, serving in the U.S. Navy, Britain's Royal Navy and other overseas fleets. The more than 1,000 Sea Kings that were produced have flown a combined 3.8 million flight hours, Sikorsky said.

About 620 of the helicopters remain in service in commercial and military markets worldwide.

In the modernization program, the airframe will be extensively refurbished with a new glass cockpit and cargo hook and hoist system. New composite main rotor blades that improve aircraft performance will be used, providing additional lift and speed capabilities.

The upgrades will be done at Sikorsky Aerospace Services in Chase Field, Texas. Sikorsky Aircraft is based in Stratford.

Carson Helicopters Inc., based in Perkasie, Pa., and Grants Pass, Ore., provides helicopter services worldwide. It operates 12 Sikorsky S-61 helicopters.

Shares of United Technologies rose $2.25, or 4 percent, to $58.91 in early afternoon trading.