the nature of united technologies /  sikorsky well, including Hyundai and BMW, and with bus makers Thor Industries and Irisbus. In November, a bus powered by a UTC Fuel Cells’ power plant became the first fuel cell hybrid bus to provide  regularly scheduled service in California. Another fruitful collaboration between Carrier and United Technologies Research Center resulted in a new air purification system that uses a chemical reaction activated by ultraviolet light, combined with a high-efficiency filter, to remove particulates, eliminate odors and neutralize germs as they pass through an air conditioner or ventilation system. French developer SARI became the first customer, ordering 2,750 air purification modules that were installed in a recently commissioned, 41-story office building in Paris. In August, Carrier introduced its WeatherMaker 8000 series gas furnaces including models that, unlike traditional furnaces, can adjust heating output to quietly and gently heat homes without kicking on full blast. As part of a Carrier IdealHumidity™ system, it monitors and controls humidity throughout the home, even when there is no call for heating or cooling. The WeatherMaker 8000 product line takes up less space and operates more quietly than competitors’ product lines. Sikorsky products achieved long-awaited milestones. The U.S. Navy granted the MH-60S  helicopter program Full Rate Production status in August, clearing the way for the Navy’s planned purchase of 237 aircraft through 2010 for approximately $2.8 billion. The MH-60S and its derivatives will offer multi-mission capability including search and rescue, medical evacuation and mine detection. The Sikorsky-Boeing Comanche helicopter program aced all three milestones scheduled in 2002. The first prototype RAH-66 Comanche completed its final flight test impressively in January. While the prototype had flown for six years without a single, serious component failure, engineers gleaned ways to refine the aircraft’s design throughout the trials. In May, the Comanche completed an initial flight test with upgraded LHTEC T-800-LHT-801 engines and a new computer operating system. The third milestone, accomplished in September, involved one hour of flight by a pilot wearing a  helmet-mounted display system designed for nighttime flying and for targeting operations. New products debuted in 2002 while others achieved key development or sales milestones. Carrier set a new energy efficiency standard for cooling buildings when it unveiled its Evergreen VSS chiller technology at the Earth Technologies Forum and Exhibition in March. The technology uses a chiller system that is up to 48 percent more energy efficient than existing standards require, and a refrigerant that will not erode the Earth’s protective ozone layer. After collaborating for five years with the United Technologies Research Center and strategic partners to develop the technology, Carrier will begin taking orders in the first half of 2003. Sikorsky Quick, graceful and accurate, the Black Hawk helicopter, like the bird from which its name is derived, is a sturdy survivor in the flight world. More than 1,500 U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters produced by Sikorsky now serve with active duty and National Guard units around the world. 24 united technologies corporation