PARSIPPANY, N.J., March 7, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE:CW) today announced that it has received a contract from Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation to develop and supply blade fold distributor units and digital air data computers for the CH-53K heavy lift helicopter for use by the U.S. Marine Corps. The contract has a total potential value of $16 million if development and all aircraft production options and phases are completed.
"Curtiss-Wright has a long standing relationship with Sikorsky and is very pleased to be working on this exciting helicopter program," said Martin R. Benante, CEO and Chairman of Curtiss-Wright Corporation. "Our blade fold technology and digital air data computers will be key to the CH-53K's shipboard compatibility which will enable effective deployment from amphibious ships."
Curtiss-Wright's Motion Control segment will supply the blade fold units and the digital air data computers. The blade fold units will process the required information to execute the folding or spreading of the main rotor blades, and provide monitoring and status communication with other CH-53K helicopter systems. The digital air data computer provides flight critical height and speed information to the cockpit and other important helicopter systems. Curtiss-Wright is developing and manufacturing the blade fold distributors at its City of Industry, CA, facility and the digital air data computers at its Penny & Giles facility in Christchurch, UK. The initial contract runs through 2011 with the production phase expected to start in 2013.
Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). The Sikorsky CH-53E SUPER STALLION™ helicopter is the largest and most powerful helicopter in the United States military. The CH-53K helicopter is expected to replace the CH-53E helicopters that the Marine Corps currently deploys from amphibious assault ships to transport personnel and equipment, and to carry external cargo loads. The CH-53K helicopter is designed to transport heavy payloads over longer distances and will significantly reduce operation and support costs.
About Curtiss-Wright
Curtiss-Wright Corporation is a diversified company headquartered in Parsippany, NJ. The company designs and manufactures products for motion control and flow control applications, and provides metal treatment services. The firm employs approximately 7,600 people worldwide. For more information, visit .
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About Curtiss-Wright Controls, Inc.
Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Curtiss-Wright Controls is the motion control segment of Curtiss-Wright Corporation. With manufacturing facilities around the world, Curtiss-Wright Controls is a leading technology-based organization providing niche motion control products, subsystems and services for the aerospace, defense, naval and industrial markets. For more information, visit .
This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements, including statements relating to Curtiss-Wright Corporation's expectations of the potential duration and value of this contract, the successful completion of our research and development work, the continued relationship with an existing customer, the successful implementation of this military helicopter program, the continued funding of this military program by the U.S. Government and future opportunities associated with this contract, are not considered historical facts and are considered forward-looking statements under the federal securities laws. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: a reduction in anticipated orders; an economic downturn; changes in competitive marketplace and/or customer requirements; a change in US and Foreign government spending; an inability to perform customer contracts at anticipated cost levels; and other factors that generally affect the business of aerospace, defense contracting, marine, electronics and industrial companies. Please refer to the Company's current SEC filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for further information.
CONTACT: Jim Ryan (973) 541-3766