Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) announced today the signing of a teaming agreement at the Paris Show with Rheinmetall Defence Electronics to provide long-term training and logistics support to the German armed forces should the Government of Germany select the MH148 CYCLONE^â„¢ multi-mission helicopter for its naval rotorcraft needs. SAS is the aftermarket division of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

“This agreement with Rheinmetall is an important step in strengthening our future support capabilities in Germany. It is in line with our strategy to provide comprehensive aftermarket solutions where our key customers are located and where strong partners exist. It ensures we will have the infrastructure in place should the CYCLONE be introduced, to ensure the fleet maintains optimal readiness rates,” said David Adler, President of SAS.

SAS and Rheinmetall, the second-largest defence contractor in Germany, will work together to lead a team of German industrial providers in creating robust maintenance, training and program support in country for the German armed forces.

The CYCLONE helicopter provides multi-mission capabilities including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and search and rescue. The aircraft is a derivative of the S-92^® helicopter, which gets its basic design from the BLACK HAWK helicopter, a proven, rugged and durable aircraft.

“With Rheinmetall Defence Electronics being responsible for the In-Service Support and Training for the MH148 CYCLONE fleet we are convinced that a cost-effective, reliable and proven total solution can be provided to the German Navy. We were able to gather important experience from projects like naval and army training centres including comprehensive services and from our UAS Heron 1 project where Rheinmetall Defence Electronics provides the complete service for that platform in Afghanistan. We are eager to offer a similar good solution to the German Navy together with Sikorsky Aircraft,” said Ulrich Sasse, General Manager of Rheinmetall Defence Electronics GmbH in Bremen, Germany.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. Its Sikorsky Aerospace Services business designs and applies advanced logistics and supply chain solutions for commercial rotary, military rotary and fixed wing operators. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., USA, provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace