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The flight occurred Saturday, Nov. 15. Steered by Sikorsky Test PilotsJohn Armbrust and Rick Becker using state-of-the-art, fly-by-wire technology,the aircraft hovered and accomplished low-speed handling tasks includingforward flight at speeds reaching 30 knots, and sideward and rearwardmaneuvers. The helicopter, Tail No. 801, will continue to undergo a series ofincreasingly demanding flight tests leading up to certification and productiondeliveries.

Sikorsky will build 28 CH-148 helicopters for the Canadian government."The CH-148 helicopter will be a world leader in sophistication and capabilityfor maritime helicopters," said Program Manager Dan Hunter. "Today'ssuccessful first flight represents a huge milestone, transitioning the programfrom the prototype build to the flight test stage. The aircraft performedbeautifully, easily achieving each maneuver attempted. We're extremelypleased."

The CH-148 helicopter represents the next step in Sikorsky's long plannedextension of the S-92(R) helicopter into the H-92(TM) helicopter product line.It is equipped with a fully digital, fly-by-wire system designed to improvesignificantly the aircraft's maneuverability, safety and effectiveness. TheCH-148 helicopter further builds upon Sikorsky's rugged S-92 helicopter, whichmeets the most demanding safety standards in North America and Europe.

Among the most sophisticated rotary wing aircraft in the world, theproduction CH-148 helicopter will be an extremely versatile, multi-missionaircraft with capabilities including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surfacewarfare, search and rescue, and troop and cargo transport. It will be fullyequipped for ship-based operations including automatic blade and tail foldsystems and a deck to aircraft recovery assist system. Capitalizing on provenS-92 helicopter capabilities that include a glass cockpit with advancedavionics, systems allowing flight into known icing conditions, flaw tolerantcomponents and state-of-the-art search and rescue equipment, the CH-148helicopter will incorporate additional mission systems including Forward-Looking Infrared Radar (FLIR), 360 degree search radar, passive and activeacoustics systems, threat surveillance and countermeasure capabilities, andnetwork link communications.

"The stringent qualification and certification standards of the S-92helicopter will be further extended through the Canadian militarycertification process resulting in an aircraft that will meet the mostexacting civil and military standards in the world," said Hunter. "Its provenand expanded design focused on reliability, maintainability and safety willprovide operational capabilities at world-class life cycle support costlevels."

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader inhelicopter design, manufacture and service. Its mission statement reflectsthe company's long commitment to safety and innovation: "We pioneer flightsolutions that bring people home everywhere... every time(TM)." Moreinformation is available at the interactive www.sikorsky.com Web site.

United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, provides abroad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospaceand building systems industries.

SOURCE Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.