Sikorsky Aircraft has chosen Hamilton Sundstrand to supply the Utility Management System (UMS) for the CH-53K heavy lift helicopter, which is under development for use by the U.S. Marines. Sikorsky and Hamilton Sundstrand are both subsidiaries of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

"We are delighted to be a major supplier to Sikorsky's CH-53K helicopter program," said Joe Triompo, president, Hamilton Sundstrand Engine & Control Systems. "Our UMS will strengthen the aircraft's data management and subsystem control capabilities."

The UMS includes two different digital electronic computers, designed and developed by Hamilton Sundstrand. The computers manage air vehicle inputs for key CH-53K helicopter subsystems.

Hamilton Sundstrand was previously selected to supply the CH-53K helicopter's secondary power systems – consisting of the environmental control system, auxiliary power unit and main engine start system. The company also was chosen to develop the helicopter's fly-by-wire flight control system, which includes triple redundant computers, and main and tail rotor actuators.

This system further builds on Hamilton Sundstrand's triple redundant fly-by-wire system designed for Sikorsky's UH-60M helicopter.