Sikorsky Aerospace Services to repair Colombian Army BLACK HAWK fleet

SHELTON, Conn., 4 Feb. 2013.Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS)—the aftermarket business of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX)—will structurally repair seven damaged UH-60L BLACK HAWKhelicopters for the Colombian Army (COLAR) at its base depot in Tolemaida, Colombia.

"Colombia has been our valued customer for over 30 years. Our ability to support the operational readiness of the Colombian Armed Services is paramount in their efforts to ensure national order and security," says Frank DiPasquale, SAS Vice-President of Sales & Strategic Relationships. "The capacity to perform these repairs in-country will represent significant savings to our customer and underscores our ability to be a full life-cycle service provider. The success of this program provides economical options for Sikorsky BLACK HAWK operators worldwide."

Colombia operates the world's fourth-largest BLACK HAWK fleet. To ensure sustained support for operations as mandated by the Colombian Army, the Colombian Army Aviation (part of the Army's Combined Arms Team) has continued to expand its in-country BLACK HAWK maintenance services, tripling the size of the Sikorsky Depot Team.

The technical and tactical characteristics of the UH-60L fleet provide the mobility and penetration required by the Colombian Army to execute a variety of dynamic missions, says a spokesperson. To provide the requisite support to COLAR units, the Air Assault Aviation Division of the National Army requires optimum fleet readiness and airworthiness. The UH-60L aircraft support air assault, reconnaissance, supply, and other missions.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. is based in Stratford, Conn.