Washington, Maryland - 

Sikorsky Aircraft and United Technologies Corporation today committed a total of $1 million to the Army Historical Foundation, the official fund-raising organization for the future National Museum of the United States Army. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

Sikorsky President Mick Maurer presented the commitment check to retired Gen. William Hartzog, Army Historical Foundation president, and retired Gen. George W. Casey Jr., former Chief of Staff of the United States Army and a current Foundation board member. The presentation occurred during the Association of the United States Army’s annual exposition in Washington, D.C.

“In 1944, just five years after Igor Sikorsky proved the efficiency of his design for a vertical lift aircraft, the U.S. Army took the huge step to introduce a production helicopter into World War II operations,” said Maurer. “We honor that decision, which established the role of rotorcraft in combat operations, and led to our long and valued relationship with the United States Army. Sikorsky continues to play a major role in Army aviation with the BLACK HAWK helicopter, which serves our troops after three decades of continual modernizations. We are honored to support this important museum project.”

The Sikorsky/UTC donation will be applied to the museum’s Innovation & Inventions gallery. Among its exhibits, the gallery will feature a Sikorsky YR-4 helicopter that the U.S. Army Air Forces operated in the China-Burma-India Theater during 1944-45. YR-4 helicopters were the first rotary wing aircraft to be used in combat operations, the first to be used for reconnaissance and medevac, and the first to perform a rescue behind enemy lines.

“For decades, Sikorsky has provided the U.S. Army with the best helicopters in the world. They are an integral part of our history,” said retired Gen. Casey. “The generosity and support of Sikorsky and United Technologies will enable the Army Museum to tell the stories of the Soldiers that both companies have served so well.”

The National Museum of the United States Army will be located on 40 acres on the grounds of Fort Belvoir, Va., near Washington, D.C. Chronicling 238 years of U.S. Army history, the planned 185,000-square-foot main building will honor the service and sacrifice of the 30 million men and women who have worn the Army uniform, and will display artifacts, documents and images from the Army Art Collection.