High Performance Engine Back In Production
ANAHEIM, Calif., February 22, 2009 – Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced
today that its LTS101-700D-2 engine has been selected by Changhe Aircraft
Industries of Jingdezhen, China, to power the Z-11 helicopter. Terms of the
agreement were not disclosed.
“Honeywell Aerospace is expanding its presence in China to address growth and
demand in the region – and will begin providing new production LTS101-700D-2
engines to Changhe during the first quarter of 2010,” said Doug Kult, Honeywell
Director of Sales, Helicopter and Surface Systems. “The Z-11 is a
multi-mission, single-engine helicopter with application for police and rescue,
aerial observation, electronic news gathering, VIP and executives, and border
patrol operations. The helicopter is also available for export. The LTS101
powered Z-11 will offer 7 percent more take off power, up to 10 percent lower
specific fuel consumption, and greater than 30 percent lower operating
costs.”
The new engines will mark a restart of LTS101 production in Honeywell’s Greer,
S.C., facility.
The Z-11 was designed by Changhe, which holds all intellectual property rights
and has obtained type certificate and production certificate awarded by the
Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
Wei Song Lin, Changhe, Program Director for the Z-11, said, “The Honeywell
engine will give the Z-11 the performance advantage it needs to succeed. Our
customers will enjoy the low cost of operation, improved power, and high
reliability.” Changhe has estimated the sale of more than 300 helicopters over
the next 5 to 10 years in China.
The engine has most recently been part of an extremely successful retrofit
program replacing the existing engine on the ASTAR 350 model B2.
Kult said, “In addition, the availability of new production engines will also
benefit our retrofit customers – especially the new accessories that will
further offset their cost of operation.” The new accessories will be available
to both current AS350 operators with a LTS101 engine and any customer
considering the engine upgrade to their ASTAR.
Honeywell’s LTS101-700D-2 is the latest in a lineage of the LTS101engines
powering various models of the Eurocopter AS350 series helicopter. The engine
family has accumulated more than 10 million flight hours of operation.
Honeywell has continuously invested in engine improvements through the infusion
of new technologies and upgrades. As a result the engine family has
demonstrated a four-fold improvement in reliability since 1996 and it currently
performs at world-class levels.
Honeywell offers a full range of helicopter equipment, from aircraft engines,
auxiliary power units and other mechanical systems to Health Usage Monitoring
Systems (HUMS) and a full range of helicopter safety systems. More information
about Honeywell helicopter systems is at www.honeywell.com .
Honeywell International is a $37 billion diversified technology and
manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and
services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive
products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township,
N.J., Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York, London and Chicago Stock
Exchanges. For additional information, please visit www.honeywell.com.
Based in Phoenix, Honeywell’s $12 billion aerospace business is a leading
global provider of integrated avionics, engines, systems and service solutions
for aircraft manufacturers, airlines, business and general aviation, military,
space and airport operations.
This release contains forward-looking statements as defined in Section 21E of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements about future business
operations, financial performance and market conditions. Such forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties inherent in business forecasts as
further described in our filings under the Securities Exchange Act.
Media Contacts:
Cathy Gedvilas
602-365-5930
cathy.gedvilas@honeywell.com
Bill Reavis
602-365-2055
bill.reavis@honeywell.com