Sikorsky H-53 Helicopter, After Many Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) and Other Missions,...

Sikorsky H-53 Helicopter, After Many Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) and Other
Missions, Inducted into United States Air Force National Museum

STRATFORD, Conn., Aug. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A battle-proven and
time-tested Sikorsky Aircraft H-53 helicopter that accomplished Combat Search
and Rescue (CSAR) and other demanding missions during the past several decades
has been inducted into the National Museum of the United States Air Force in
Dayton, Ohio. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.
(NYSE: UTX).
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060403/SIKORSKYLOGO )
"Sikorsky Aircraft has the longest and most successful record of any
helicopter company in history when it comes to combat search and rescue,
starting in 1944 with the R-4 aircraft and continuing with the H-53 family,"
said Mike Farage, Director of Air Force Programs for Sikorsky Aircraft. "We
are proud that the Air Force has recognized this legacy with the induction of
this aircraft."
The CH-53 and its variants, the HH-53 Jolly Green Giant and the MH-53 PAVE
LOW, came into service in 1967 and since then have served in some of the
toughest missions. In addition to combat search and rescue, these missions
include armed assault, heavy-lift and troop transport. Sikorsky is currently
developing the next generation heavy-lift, the CH-53K, for the U.S. Marine
Corps, and also has introduced the H-92(TM) helicopter, which is currently
competing for the U.S. Air Force's Combat Search and Rescue platform. "The H-
92 helicopter is the culmination of all we've learned about combat search and
rescue technology since World War II, which comprises an immense amount of
knowledge and experience," said John Pacelli, Vice President and Business
Acquisition Manager for CSAR-X.
During the July 7 induction ceremony, Lt. Gen. Donny Wurster, Commander of
the Air Force Special Operations Command and former MH-53 pilot, said, "The
H-53 fleet has logged countless combat hours, flown in every contingency in
the last 40 years and met the needs of national objectives time and time
again."
He added, "The machines have seen a couple of generations of these people
come and go, and always they remain ... the enduring posture to respond to the
nation's call when needed."
The H-53 fleet has flown on 13 missions that earned the Air Force Cross,
the second-highest military decoration awarded to a member of the Air Force,
and on missions that resulted in the presentation of 140 Silver Star awards,
the third-highest military decoration awarded to a member of any branch of the
U.S. armed forces.
"The distinguished record of the fleet is a testament to the people behind
the aircraft -- the designers and engineers who developed the proven and
reliable technology, the people who worked the line constructing the fleet,
and the crews who have maintained it," Farage said.
The H-53 and its variants were used extensively during the last four
decades to perform special operations and rescue of combat personnel. From
the recovery of prisoners of war and downed airmen during the Vietnam War to
the daring missions performed during Operation Desert Storm, including the
first successful combat rescue of a downed pilot, the aircraft have repeatedly
proven their capability.
The representative aircraft inducted into the U.S. Air Force Museum was
known for its ability to sustain damage and keep flying. It served as the
command and control helicopter in the rescue attempt of American prisoners
from the Son Tay prison camp in North Vietnam in 1970. For the mission, the
crew received an Air Force Cross and four Silver Star decorations.
The aircraft, tail number 68-10357, operated for 38 years, often
surmounting great odds to bring its crews home safely. It completed its final
mission on March 28, 2008, in Iraq. The remaining MH-53s will retire by Sept.
30.
"Even with the retirement of aircraft 68-10357 and the remaining Air Force
contingent of CH-53 helicopters, more than 360 H-53 variants will remain
flying, still proudly serving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, as well as the
armed forces of Germany, Japan, and Israel," said Mark Cherry, Vice President,
Marine Corps Programs for Sikorsky. "And we are proud of the fact that we are
writing the next chapter in the legacy of the CH-53 platform, the CH-53K
helicopter."
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in
helicopter design, manufacture, and service. The company's long commitment to
safety and innovation is reflected in its mission statement: "We pioneer
flight solutions that bring people home everywhere... every time(TM)." 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.
SOURCE Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.

Paul Jackson, +1-203-386-7143, Paul.Jackson@sikorsky.com, or Michele Castle,
+1-203-383-7516, Michele.Castle@sikorsky.com, both of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.