WASHINGTON (AP) – Connecticut-based Sikorsky Aircraft announced plans Wednesday to build high-tech helicopters that, propelled by a new rotor system, would be much faster than conventional models.

The helicopter, which will also use technologies developed for the military’s now-cancelled Comanche program, is being designed and built by Sikorsky and its New York subsidiary, Schweizer Aircraft.

In a conference call, officials from both companies said the helicopter could cruise at more than 250 knots, about 100 knots faster than helicopters in service today.

Work on the prototype would add about 30 jobs at Schweizer’s Elmira, N.Y., facility, but not affect employment at Sikorsky’s Stratford, Conn., plant.

The first testing flight could take place by the end of the year, while the first full prototype to fly could be by the end of next year, the companies said.

“Customers are demanding greater speed but without sacrificing any of the unique capabilities that make helicopters the ideal platform for countless civil and military missions,” said Sikorsky President Stephen Finger.

The new rotor system, which features two large rotors, one above the other, spinning in opposite directions, will allow the helicopter to fly faster without hurting its ability to hover and maneuver.

“What we’re really talking about is the helicopter of the future,” Schweizer President Paul Schweizer told reporters. “We’re taking some new technology, some existing technology, putting them together in a different way.”

The announcement comes as Sikorsky struggles to recover from two devastating decisions by the Pentagon – the cancellation of the Comanche development program and the loss of the presidential helicopter contract to rival Lockheed Martin of Maryland.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon is increasing its orders for Sikorsky Army and Navy Hawk helicopters, prompting the company to add about 150 jobs.

AP-ES-06-01-05 1614EDT