DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Pratt & Whitney's F135 Engine Powers First Flight Of Production F-35 Aircraft

Defense News: DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Pratt & Whitney's F135 Engine Powers First Flight Of Production F-35 Aircraft

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Pratt & Whitney On Monday February 28, 2011

(NSI News Source Info)

EAST HARTFORD, Conn.,

- March 1, 2011:

Pratt & Whitney's F135 conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) production engine powered the successful first flight of a production F-35 aircraft on Friday, Feb. 25. This milestone marks the introduction of Pratt & Whitney's F135 production engines into service. Pratt & Whitney is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX - News) company.

"The first flight of a production F135 engine and F-35 Lightning II aircraft is another important milestone and is indicative of the transition of the program from a pure development phase," saidBennett Croswell, vice president of F135/F119 Engine Programs, Pratt & Whitney. "We are one step closer to getting this magnificent aircraft to the war fighter. I am proud of the F135 team and our partners at Hamilton Sundstrand and Lockheed Martin for this tremendous program accomplishment. We look forward to seeing the F135-powered Lightning II in operational flight."

During the flight, the CTOL F-35A variant, known as AF-6, underwent basic flight maneuvering and engine tests. Lockheed Martin Flight Test Pilot Bill Gigliotti took off from Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base at 4:05 p.m. EST and landed at 5:05 p.m. The jet will continue flight tests in Fort Worth for about a month before it is accepted by the Air Force.

The F135 is in production and is the only engine powering the F-35 Lightning II flight test program today. The F135 CTOL/CV engine and STOVL propulsion system continues to power the F-35 Lightning II with 620 flight tests and nearly 900 flight test hours. The F135 has powered all 41 vertical landings and the F135 engine is demonstrating excellent reliability, performance and thrust response. To date, Pratt & Whitney has delivered 16 production F135 engines, including the first four production STOVL propulsion systems.

Pratt & Whitney has designed, developed and tested the F135 to deliver the most advanced fifth generation fighter engine for the United States and its allies around the world. Based on the highly successful F119 powering the F-22 Raptor, the F135 has been further enhanced with technologies developed in several U.S. Air Force and Navy technology programs.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning future business opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in the Lightning II funding related to the F-35 aircraft and F135 engines, changes in government procurement priorities and practices or in the number of aircraft to be built; challenges in the design, development, production and support of technologies; as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in United Technologies Corporation's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

Stephanie Duvall
Pratt & Whitney Military Engines
860.557.1382
stephanie.duvall@pw.utc.com

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources

Pratt & Whitney On Monday February 28, 2011

*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News

*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

Contact:

dtnnews@ymail.com

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Defense News: Sikorsky Aircraft Completes Minority Investment in Eclipse Aerospace

Defense News: Sikorsky Aircraft Completes Minority Investment in Eclipse Aerospace

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Feb. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. announced today the completion of a minority equity investment by Sikorsky in Eclipse Aerospace. The companies also entered into a Service Level Agreement pursuant to which Sikorsky will provide global supply chain support and certain production restart services, which will aid Eclipse Aerospace in its efforts to reintroduce production of the Eclipse 500® very light twin engine jet. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Eclipse Aerospace provides engineering, service, and support for the fleet of roughly 260 Eclipse 500 twin-engine jets. Sikorsky Aircraft, manufacturer of the BLACK HAWK helicopter and other iconic aircraft, is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX - News).

"The management team at Eclipse Aerospace shares with Sikorsky a passion for quality products and a customer-first commitment. We are pleased to make this equity investment and look forward to providing global support to Eclipse as it works to restart production of its twin engine very light jet," said Mark Cherry, Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Synergy for Sikorsky.

Eclipse Aerospace currently offers "Total Eclipse" aircraft direct from its factory. These factory refurbished aircraft are configured with the AvioNG integrated flight management system, ability to fly into known ice (FIKI), and coupled auto pilot approach capability for horizontal and vertical approach guidance. These "like new" Total Eclipse Aircraft also come complete with full factory warranty, new paint, and all new interior.

"We are thrilled to announce the closing of this significant investment in Eclipse. Beyond the equity investment, however, we at Eclipse hope to draw from Sikorsky's significant global supply chain resources and manufacturing experience," stated Mason Holland, Chairman and CEO of Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. "I have said it before and it is worth repeating: With this agreement we now have it all -- a phenomenal fuel efficient twin-engine jet, an enthusiastic customer base and a fantastic engineering, support and service staff, all coupled with the depth and strength of a sound and experienced Sikorsky Aircraft."

About Eclipse Aerospace, Inc.

Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. provides engineering, maintenance, service, and support for the fleet of 260 Eclipse 500® very light twin-engine jet aircraft. Adhering to the motto "Customer First," Eclipse Aerospace is focused on providing a superior customer experience for existing and future owners, operators and pilots of the revolutionary Eclipse 500 jet aircraft. Eclipse Aerospace corporate offices are based in Charleston, SC. Principal operations are located in Albuquerque, N.M. and Chicago, Ill. Eclipse Aerospace is located on the Web at www.eclipseaerospace.net.

About Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in aircraft design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning investment in an aerospace company and the potential production and sale of aircraft. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to Eclipse Aerospace's ability to develop a successful production restart plan and effectively execute such plan, market acceptance of the aircraft, customer demand and other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in United Technologies Corporation's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. www.sikorsky.com

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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Sikorsky Aerospace Services Delivers First Upgraded S-61TM Helicopter To U.S. State Department

Defense News: DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Sikorsky Aerospace Services Delivers First Upgraded S-61TM Helicopter To U.S. State Department

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Sikorsky

(NSI News Source Info) SHELTON, Conn., - December 3, 2010: Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) today announced the delivery of the first upgraded S-61™ helicopter to the U.S. State Department. With its history of reliability and safety, the Sikorsky S-61 helicopter is capable of performing a wide range of critical missions including medical evacuation, passenger and logistics transportation.

SAS is the aftermarket division of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX - News).

"This delivery marks another significant milestone for the Sikorsky S-61 helicopter program and speaks to the continued success of the aircraft's upgrade program launched earlier this year. The S-61 helicopter continues to be one of the most dependable and best value aircraft in the aerospace industry," saidDavid Adler, SAS president.

Earlier this year, the U.S. State Department entered into an IDIQ (indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity) agreement to purchase up to 110 upgraded S-61 helicopters for passenger and cargo transport missions in support of worldwide operations. To date, purchase orders for 17 aircraft have been placed by the DoS for use in locations throughout the world. The S-61 helicopter has established a reputation as a reliable and mission-capable helicopter.

The upgrade program incorporates advancements in state-of-the-art technology that launches this long-proven aircraft into the twenty-first century. The upgraded S-61 helicopter includes a full array of system upgrades for enhanced mission performance. Composite main rotor blades (CMRB) provide improved functionality in hot/high conditions. Additional features have been incorporated to reduce pilot fatigue and maintenance requirements for increased safety. The upgraded S-61 aircraft offers its operators an affordable purchase price, economical operating costs and intrinsic resale value.

Four aircraft are to be delivered in 2010, with deliveries of the next 13 upgraded S-61 helicopters scheduled throughout 2011.

Sikorsky Aerospace Services, a Sikorsky company, provides comprehensive support to rotary and fixed wing operators around the world. It offers its military and commercial customers a full portfolio of support services, including material distribution, maintenance, overhaul & repair, aircraft modifications and life-cycle support. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com

© COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

DTN NEWS ON TWITTER (30 SUBJECTS)

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Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Successfully Powers Launch of U.S. Military's X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle

Defense News: WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne today helped boost into orbit the U.S. military's X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle. The mission was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., by a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. The Atlas V is powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 booster engine and a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RL10 upper-stage engine. Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX -News). RD AMROSS LLC is a joint venture of Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne and NPO Energomash.

"Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is pleased to provide power for the U.S. Air Force's launch of its X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle. This launch continues our proud history of supporting the U.S. military," said Jim Maus, director, expendable propulsion programs, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. "This third launch of the RL10 in 2010 is the 408th production model RL10 to fly, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with United Launch Alliance in this coming decade."

"RD AMROSS and its partners -- NPO Energomash and Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne -- congratulate the U.S. Air Force on this successful launch," said Len Dest, president and CEO of RD AMROSS.

The Atlas V Centaur upper stage is powered by a single RL10A-4-2 engine that delivers 22,300 pounds of thrust. For over 46 years, the RL10 has been one of the United States' most reliable upper-stage engines. The Atlas V Common Core booster is powered by the RD-180 engine delivering nearly 1 million pounds of thrust. The RD-180 is the only liquid oxygen-kerosene fueled engine with an oxygen-rich staged combustion cycle flying in the United States today.

Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc., a part of Pratt & Whitney, is a preferred provider of high-value propulsion, power, energy and innovative system solutions used in a wide variety of government and commercial applications, including the main engines for the space shuttle, Atlas and Delta launch vehicles, missile defense systems and advanced hypersonic engines.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and commercial building industries.

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Pratt & Whitney F135 Propulsion System Powers Historic First Vertical Landing of F-35 Lightning II

Defense News: EAST HARTFORD, Conn., March 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pratt & Whitney's F135 propulsion system, using the Rolls-RoyceLiftFan® and lift system successfully powered the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) through its first vertical landing. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX - News) company.

"Years of dedicated hard work by the men and women of Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, Lockheed Martin, and the F-35 Joint Program Office, along with our sister company, Hamilton Sundstrand, have gone into successful completion of this historic milestone," said Warren Boley, Vice President of F135 Engine Programs.

Lockheed Martin F-35B descending to first vertical landing Click Here to Download Image

F-35 Lead STOVL Pilot Graham Tomlinson performed an 80-knot (93 miles per hour) short takeoff from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., at 1:09 p.m. EDT. About 13 minutes into the flight, he positioned the aircraft 150 feet above the airfield, where he commanded the F-35 to hover for approximately one minute then descend to the runway.

Tomlinson said that the vertical landing onto a 95-foot square pad, "showed that we have the thrust and the control to maneuver accurately both in free air and in the descent through ground effect."

"We have been working steadily towards this goal of a first vertical landing which advances the program one step further towards delivery to our U.S. service members as well as our partner countries. After more than eight years of development and test and more than 13,000 hours of combined ground and flight testing, successful completion of this historic first vertical landing validates the performance and capability of the Pratt & Whitney F135 propulsion system," Boley said.

The F135 System Development and Demonstration (SDD) program surpassed 13,000 hours of engine test time and has successfully completed more than 200 hours of flight time. Missions have included augmented takeoffs, supersonic flight, in-flight cycling of the weapons bay doors, air-to-air refueling, in-flight engine restarts, and cross-country flights to and from Eglin and Edwards Air Force Bases and Patuxent River Naval Air Station. The F135 CTOL/CV variant has also received Service Release.

Pratt & Whitney has designed, developed and tested the F135 to deliver the most advanced fifth generation fighter engine for the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy, as well as eight international partner countries. The F135 is derived from proven technology of the only operational fifth generation fighter engine, the Pratt & Whitney F119 powering the F-22. It has been further enhanced with technologies developed in several Air Force and Navy technology programs.

The F135 is the only engine powering the F-35 Lightning II flight test program. The F135 propulsion system has proven it can meet diverse aircraft requirements, and the ground and flight test experience demonstrates the maturity and the associated reliability of the F135 for armed forces around the world.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning future business opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in funding related to the F-35 aircraft and F135 engines, changes in government procurement priorities and practices or in the number of aircraft to be built; challenges in the design, development, production and support of technologies; as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in United Technologies Corp.'s Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

Erin Dick
Pratt & Whitney Military Engines
860.557.0122
860.565.9600
erin.dick@pw.utc.com