Sikorsky Challenges Kids to Create the Helicopter of the Future

STRATFORD, Conn., June 9, 2014 – For the fourth consecutive year, Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), is giving kids, ages 9 -  16, a chance to compete for a $1,000 scholarship through the Sikorsky Helicopter 2050 Program and Challenge.

The national program, which challenges kids to design a Helicopter of the Future, kicked off June 1 and will run through September 30, 2014. Contestants will design a helicopter that addresses the potential challenges of 2050 and plan for how their Helicopters of the Future would overcome those challenges.

The competition is part of Sikorsky’s commitment to encouraging hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for students throughout the country and gives the corporation an opportunity to develop long-term relationships with tomorrow’s engineers.

“I’m thrilled to see the growing popularity of the program with children and adults alike,” said Judy Bankowski, vice president and chief information officer at Sikorsky. “Every year, we see more teachers using the Challenge for their after-school clubs, as part of their STEM programs, for class assignments and more. The kids love it and, clearly, parents and teachers are seeing the same value of the program on children’s education that we do.”

The winner of the 2014 competition will receive the Igor Sikorsky Youth Innovator Award along with the scholarship. In addition, the young innovator will be flown to Sikorsky’s headquarters in Stratford, Connecticut, to tour the assembly line of the iconic BLACK HAWK AND SEAHAWK^® military helicopters and meet with Sikorsky rotorcraft engineers.

Last year’s winner, Vance Hudson, 15, of Collierville, Tennessee, designed an S-2050 helicopter with a detachable main section that would allow operators to  configure the aircraft rapidly

for multiple missions or deliver modular loads with life-saving resources for people in need. Vance created the helicopter for countries that cannot afford multiple versions of emergency aircraft. 

Sikorsky is co-sponsor of the annual challenge with By Kids For Kids, a Connecticut-based organization whose educational content inspires kids to become successful inventors. The Challenge honors company founder Igor Sikorsky who, in 1939, led an engineering team that developed a vertical lift machine with a core design that is still used in 95 percent of helicopters flying today.

Museums throughout the country will use fun, hands-on activities to help students imagine the environmental future and challenges of helicopters. Teachers and museum staff can sign up at www.helicopter2050.com to receive free program materials. Students can enter the competition at www.helicopter2050.com. 

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Connecticut, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

By Kids For Kids^® (BKFK^®) is a platform that empowers youth invention, innovation and entrepreneurship. BKFK promotes youth social innovation and partners with leading corporations to inspire product development, crucial technology skills, invention, and innovation in young people. BKFK provides a unique platform for young people to develop, showcase, and commercialize their products, inventions and entrepreneurship. BKFK’s “cycle of innovation” develops critical 21^st Century skills in our nation’s youth. The company provides educational resources, curriculum and challenges that promote social change, product development and entrepreneurial endeavors. For more about BKFK visit www.bkfk.com