Sikorsky, Rheinmetall in aftermarket deal

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PARIS, June 24 (UPI) -- Sikorsky Aerospace Services and Germany's Rheinmetall Defense Electronics signed a deal for aftermarket support in Germany.

Sikorsky, based in the United States, said the teaming is to provide long-term training and logistics support to the German armed forces should the Government of Germany select the MH148 CYCLONE multi-mission helicopter for its naval rotorcraft needs.

SAS is the aftermarket division of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.

"This agreement with Rheinmetall is an important step in strengthening our future support capabilities in Germany," SAS President David Adler said in an announcement from the Paris Air Show. "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."

The CYCLONE is a multi-mission helicopter. Its capabilities include anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and search-and-rescue. It is a derivative of the S-92 helicopter, which gets its basic design from the Black Hawk.

Sikorsky said the two companies 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.