United Technologies 2008 Annual Report Download - page 38

36 United Technologies Corporation
Sikorsky
Operations Review: With busy production
lines and first flights for six programs in
2008, Sikorsky continues to chart a path
for future growth after doubling revenues
over the last four years. Margin expansion,
excellence in execution, technological
leadership and globalization contribute to
continued success.
The X2 Technology demonstrator achieved
first flight in August 2008. The prototype
integrates technologies to advance the
state-of-the-art helicopter, which is
expected to demonstrate that a helicopter
can cruise comfortably at 250 knots while
retaining excellent low-speed handling, and
efficient hovering and safety, with seamless
transition to high speed.
Launched in 2008, Sikorsky Aerospace
Services is a unique organization offering
original equipment manufacturing expertise
to meet customers’ aviation service needs.
It combines decades of experience in
aerospace engineering, material support,
integrated logistics, servicing, maintenance,
overhaul and training to maximize aircraft
readiness with low operational costs.
Modernization projects continue at the PZL
Mielec facility in Poland. The S-70i BLACK
HAWK helicopter will be assembled there
and deliveries are expected to begin in 2011.
In China, S-76 helicopter airframes are
now being built under a contract between
Shanghai Sikorsky and Aviation Industries
of China (AVIC II). Sikorsky’s supply base
in Turkey continues to grow, and plans to
develop regional aviation centers are pro-
gressing in the Middle East.
Corporate Responsibility Progress and
Challenges: Sikorsky continues to make
progress on eliminating materials of concern.
In 2008, after years of researching alterna-
tives, Sikorsky began testing equipment to
replace the use of sulfur hexafluoride with
helium in helicopter blade production,
potentially saving more than 7,500 metric
tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
The company also implemented a hexavalent
chrome replacement program for its military
and commercial helicopters and contributed
to the Connecticut National Guard winning
the Secretary of the Army Award.
In 2008, Sikorsky began plans for a combined
heat and power co-generation plant at its
Stratford, Conn., facility. The plant will
supply approximately 84 percent of the site’s
base load electrical power and is expected
to begin operation in 2010. Sikorsky has
executed a power purchase agreement for
the installation of solar panels on the roof
of its Stratford facility. The first phase will
consist of 500 solar panels scheduled to be
operational in 2009.
Sikorsky CH-53Ds aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard. The CH-53D helicopter is designed to transport up to 8,000 pounds, including
personnel and supplies, in support of amphibious and shore operations. The U.S. government currently operates 36 aircraft, which
combined have flown approximately 700,000 hours. The first CH-53D aircraft began operating in 1966. Sikorsky is currently
developing the latest aircraft in the series, the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter, for the U.S. Marine Corps.