Hamilton Sundstrand and Microturbo Form Partnership for New-Generation Electrical and Bleed Auxiliary Power Units for Corporate and Business Aircraft Segment

PARIS, June 21, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- PARIS AIR SHOW -- Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), and Microturbo, a Safran Group Company (NYSE: SAFRAN), have signed an agreement to form a partnership for the development of new-generation electrical and bleed APUs and APU installation systems, targeting the business jet segment.

First application for the new partnership will be the Bombardier Global 7000 & Global 8000 aircraft for which Hamilton Sundstrand was recently selected as the APU supplier. Hamilton Sundstrand has launched the design and development of a new APU system for this Bombardier program. Under the partnership agreement announced today, Microturbo will design, certify and supply major modules and components for the APU and the installation system in support of Hamilton Sundstrand's design and development of the overall APU system.

"Our new partnership with Microturbo demonstrates Hamilton Sundstrand's long-term commitment to the APU engine business. This partnership will provide business and corporate aircraft customers with a complementary combination of skill sets that directly addresses the need for increased performance and reliability, with lower operating cost," said Danny Di Perna, vice president & general manager of Hamilton Sundstrand's APU Business Unit.

"Microturbo is pleased to join with Hamilton Sundstrand in developing new-generation electrical and bleed APU solutions which respond to the needs of customers. The significant experience and advanced technologies of each partner will combine to advance the APU state-of-the-art to serve the corporate and business aircraft market," said Mr. Pierre-Yves Morvan, CEO of Microturbo. "This partnership will enable us to offer customers a complete and competitive set of products, such as the e-APU and services, which meets every requirement of present and future prospects."

Microturbo, based in Toulouse, France, is a world leader in propulsive and power systems with more than 10,000 units delivered.

Safran is a leading international high-technology group with three core businesses: Aerospace (propulsion and equipment), Defence and Security. Operating worldwide, the Safran group has more than 54,000 employees and generated sales of 10.8 Billion Euros in 2010.

Hamilton Sundstrand's APU business, based in San Diego, California, currently has more than 13,000 APUs in service.

With 2010 sales of $5.6 billion, Hamilton Sundstrand is headquartered in Windsor Locks, Conn.  Among the world's largest suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and industrial products, the company designs, manufactures and services aerospace systems and provides integrated system solutions for commercial, regional, corporate and military aircraft. It also is a major supplier for international space programs.

United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company that provides high-technology products and services to the aerospace and building industries.

Please visit www.utcaero.com for news from United Technologies at the Paris Air Show 2011.

SOURCE Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation