PZL Mielec transformation paves way for INTERNATIONAL BLACK HAWK™ Helicopter

The first BLACK HAWK helicopter cabins to be delivered from PZL Mielec, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.'s affiliate in Poland, are scheduled for later this year as the company moves toward the introduction of the INTERNATIONAL BLACK HAWK™ helicopter in 2011, Sikorsky announced today from the Farnborough International Air Show. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

Progress at PZL Mielec has included various modernization projects as the production ramp-up of BLACK HAWK helicopter cabin parts moves forward. In addition, the transformation has yielded increased employee engagement, the successful incorporation of UTC's operating system and a thriving production of legacy M28 and the M18 aircraft.

"The INTERNATIONAL BLACK HAWK helicopter is moving steadily toward becoming a reality, largely due to the great strides we have made in bringing the PZL Mielec facility to the world-class standards of a United Technologies Corporation company," said Sikorsky President Jeffrey P. Pino. "Additionally, the workforce has embraced the challenges we have introduced, and we are looking forward to seeing the culmination of these efforts later this year, when the first BLACK HAWK helicopter cabins roll off the assembly line in Poland."

The modernization of PZL Mielec has been ongoing since March 2007. In addition to supporting production of the INTERNATIONAL BLACK HAWK™ helicopter, PZL Mielec will continue its capability for aircraft design, manufacture, flight test and delivery. Among the milestones achieved through the modernization process are:

- More than 2,700 tool blocks and templates produced

- More than 1,800 part numbers produced

- Key equipment installed and operational

- Operators and mechanics trained

- Certain export licenses obtained

- Subassemblies being produced

- Major fixtures installed