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toolguy
26th Aug 2004, 16:18
See below:



Sikorsky To Acquire Schweizer Aircraft
Extends Reach into Light Helicopter, Reconnaissance and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Markets.

STRATFORD, Conn., 26 August 2004 – Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), today announced an agreement to acquire Schweizer Aircraft Corp., a privately owned U.S. company specializing in the light helicopter, reconnaissance aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) markets.

“Schweizer Aircraft is a great strategic fit for Sikorsky, providing us with proven leadership, a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, and immediate access to the light helicopter and UAV markets,” said Sikorsky President Steve Finger._ “Their ability for rapid prototyping makes them an excellent choice for advanced concept evaluation and their high focus on product safety aligns well with Sikorsky’s own. Our mutual strengths, combined competencies, and spectrum of aircraft and aftermarket services will create new opportunities for the employees of both organizations and creates value for our shareholders.”

The leadership of both companies has approved the transaction. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of this year._ The terms of the acquisition were not disclosed._ Schweizer will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Sikorsky.

“The purchase of Schweizer strengthens Sikorsky’s capabilities in the UAV field, a key component in the Pentagon’s System-of-Systems concept, which integrates surveillance, information, battle management and precision strike systems,” Finger said._ “Adding light rotorcraft and fixed-wing reconnaissance product lines to its portfolio, will better position Sikorsky to compete in the fast-growing Homeland Security market as well.”

Spunk
26th Aug 2004, 17:11
Cool, so does that mean that I finally get to fly a Sikorsky in the near future?:ok:

alouette
26th Aug 2004, 17:17
Smart move. It will be quite some competition on the light helicopter market. I look forward.:ok:

toolguy
26th Aug 2004, 18:23
Word is that Schweizer will keep the name and be a subsidiary of SAC.

Shawn Coyle
26th Aug 2004, 20:46
Is this all because Nick L wants to fly smaller helicopters???

PPRUNE FAN#1
27th Aug 2004, 01:09
Shawn:Is this all because Nick L wants to fly smaller helicopters???Just the opposite, I'd say.

Phone Caller: "Mr Lappos? Sorry about that Comanche being cancelled. Oh, by the way, we're ready for you to come track and balance the 300CB."

Bystander in hallway (alarmed): "What was that noise? Sounded like a gunshot! From...was that Nick's office?"

Press Release: "Bridgeport, CT - Sikorsky Aircraft is saddened to announce today..."

But seriously folks, since they just bought the 300 (and that wierd little drone project) think of the possibilities if Sikorsky would buy the rights to the H/MD-500C and re-introduce it instead of that ridiculous Schweizer 333...

Nigel Osborn
27th Aug 2004, 01:29
But could Nick and his wallet fit in a 300........:ok:

SASless
27th Aug 2004, 02:23
The wallet yes.....after all it is full of moths....but ol' Nick's toosh is a bit broad for the 300.....rumor had it that the 92 has a stretched cockpit as a direct result of that very issue. A dear friend also said the ergonomics of the 92 were skewed as a result of Nick's other unusual attributes.....seems the cyclic travel is very short and the collective throw is miniscule....to accomodate him having the deepest pockets and shortest arms in Stratford.;)

ATPMBA
27th Aug 2004, 16:27
Good move by Sikorsky, I just hope they keep the S300 line running. The Sikorsky name is a world-wide brand name, expect to see sales pickup. They might also be following the Cessna business model by offering C-152's to Citations. Some pilots who learned to fly in C-152's have purchased Citations out of brand loyalty.