EVERETT, Wash., January 12, 2012 ― Esterline Corporation (NYSE:ESL), a leading specialty manufacturer serving aerospace and defense markets, has been selected by Sikorsky Aircraft (NYSE:UTX), a subsidiary of United Technologies, as a team member to build a next-generation helicopter for evaluation by the U.S. military in 2014. Esterline will be supplying controls, displays, and software services for the aircraft — designated the S-97 RAIDER™ helicopter — through its Control Systems platform, marketed under the AVISTA^®, BVR™, Korry^®, and Mason™ brand names.

S-97 RAIDER Light Tactical Helicopter

Sikorsky S-97 Program Manager Doug Shidler (left),
recognizing Esterline Control Systems as a team sponsor,
presents a plaque to Michel Potvin, Esterline Control
Systems president. 

Esterline is among more than 35 companies nationwide named preferred suppliers by Sikorsky. The company announced the list on January 12 during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Aviation symposium at National Harbor, near Washington DC.

"We are extremely proud to be part of Sikorsky's team to develop the S-97 Raider Light Tactical Helicopter," said Michel Potvin, President of Esterline Control Systems. "This project enhances our already strong relationship with Sikorsky, and will allow us to leverage our extensive human-machine interface systems engineering capabilities.”

Esterline will be supplying the pilot control grips, collective controllers, cockpit displays, and actuation systems, along with software development support. Sikorsky, Esterline, and other team suppliers are self-funding the design and manufacture of two S-97 RAIDER prototype aircraft for flight evaluation by the U.S. military in 2014. The program is currently in the advanced design stage.

Esterline Control Systems (www.esterline.com/controlsystems) designs and produces leading technology control components and subsystems for today’s advanced requirements, focusing on delivering innovative cockpit solutions to its customers across the globe. Esterline is a specialized aerospace and defense company headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, that employs more than 12,000 people worldwide.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), is based in Stratford, Conn., and 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.