Curtiss-Wright Controls, Inc. today announced that it has received a contract from Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation to supply its ice detection and protection technology for use on the S-76D™ rotorcraft. The initial contract is valued at $600,000, with an estimated potential over the next twenty years (the predicted life of the rotorcraft) in excess of $12 million. Under the initial contract, shipments commenced in Q1 2012. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

"We are very pleased that Sikorsky has selected our technology for use on the S-76D rotorcraft," said David Adams, Co-Chief Operating Officer of Curtiss-Wright Corporation. "Our advanced ice detection and blade de-icing systems enable the S-76D helicopter to fly in known icing conditions, significantly extending its utility and range."

Curtiss-Wright Controls Avionics & Electronics (CWC-AE) will be supplying two separate systems used in conjunction to detect ice rate build-up and to provide blade de-icing power as needed. The Icing Severity Detection System (ISDS) will be used on the S-76D rotorcraft to determine the rate of ice buildup. When required, the Rotor Ice Protection System (RIPS) will activate the rotor blade heaters to safely de-ice the aircraft.