Sikorsky Helicopter Flies at 250 Knots

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.'s X2 Technology™ demonstrator today successfully achieved a speed of 250 knots true air speed in level flight at the Sikorsky Development Flight Center, accomplishing the program's ultimate speed milestone. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

The speed, reached during a 1.1-hour flight, is an unofficial speed record for a helicopter. The demonstrator also reached 260 knots in a very shallow dive during the flight."The aerospace industry today has a new horizon," said Sikorsky President Jeffrey P. Pino. "The X2 Technology demonstrator continues to prove its potential as a game-changer, and Sikorsky Aircraft is proud to be advancing this innovative technology and to continue our company's pioneering legacy. "Our primary key performance parameter has been met," said Jim Kagdis, Program Manager for Sikorsky Advanced Programs. "The 250-knot milestone was established as the goal of the demonstrator from its inception. It's exciting to imagine how our customers will use this capability."