(pressebox) (Paris/Düsseldorf, 2011-06-27) Rheinmetall Defence and Sikorsky Aerospace Services announced the signing of a teaming agreement to provide long term training and logistics support to the German armed forces in anticipation of the introduction the Cyclone multi-mission helicopter into Germany. Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) is the aftermarket division of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.

"With Rheinmetall being responsible for the In-Service-Support and Training for the CH-148 Cyclone we are convinced that a cost-effective, reliable and proven total solution can be provided to the German Navy. We were able to gather important information from our UAS Heron 1 project where Rheinmetall Defence provides the complete service for that platform in Afghanistan and we are eager to offer a similar good solution to the German Navy together with Sikorsky Aircraft Cooperation", said Ulrich Sasse, General Manager of Rheinmetall Defence Electronics GmbH in Bremen.

"This agreement with Rheinmetall is an important step in strengthening our future support capabilities in Germany. 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 when the Cyclone is introduced to ensure the fleet maintains optimal readiness rates" said David Adler, president of Sikorsky Aerospace Services.

Rheinmetall and SAS 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.

The Cyclone helicopter provides multi-mission capabilities including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and search and rescue. The aircraft is a derivative of the S-92 helicopter, which gets its basic design from the Black Hawk helicopter, a proven, rugged and durable aircraft.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn./USA, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. Its Sikorsky Aerospace Services business designs and applies advanced logistics and supply chain solutions for commercial rotary, military rotary and fixed wing operators. 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 worldwide.

Serving the global automobile industry and the armies of many nations, Rheinmetall is a world-leading supplier of military systems and automotive components. With some 20,000 employees worldwide, the Group had sales of €4 billion in 2010.

Rheinmetall Defence's six divisions supply the world's armed forces with a comprehensive array of products and services, including vehicle systems, weapons and ammunition, simulation and training, air defense, defense electronics and actuators.