UTC Aerospace Systems has signed a major contract with French company HeliDax SAS to provide aftermarket service for its fleet of helicopters – the largest EC120 worldwide fleet in operation today. UTC Aerospace Systems is a unit of United Technologies Corporation.

Actuation Systems will provide flight controls and hydraulic operational support based on flying hours including consignment stock at the HeliDax SAS facility to aid daily operations.

The French Ministry of Defense awarded a 22 year contract in January 2008 to HeliDax SAS for training Military Pilots.

HeliDax has to provide a maximum of 22,000 flying hours per year on their fleet of 36 EC120 helicopters renamed “Calliope” (photo) which are fitted with special training equipment such as auto pilot, glass cockpit systems and full night vision imaging systems (NVIS).

Training was previously performed by the French Army with Gazelles.

Andreas Schell, President Actuation Systems said: “Helping customers to support their strategies and provide innovative solutions to manage their maintenance spending, asset requirements and repair needs more effectively is at the heart of the business. I am delighted that HeliDax SAS recognizes the value this agreement can provide in managing its fleet”.