The U.S. Navy has awarded Stratford’s Sikorsky Aircraft a $1.24 billion contract to take the first steps toward building a new helicopter to carry the president, the United Technologies subsidiary announced.
Under the deal, Sikorsky will modify, test and deliver six of its S-92 helicopters and two simulators to the U.S. Marine Corps. It expects the Navy to order 17 production aircraft for 2023 delivery.
The contract is a reversal of fortune for Sikorsky in the federal government’s efforts to replace the aging Marine One fleet. The U.S. Department of Defense selected competitor Lockheed Martin in 2005, but canceled that program in 2009 after the expected price of the 28-helicopter fleet nearly doubled, to more than $11 billion, the Washington Post reported at the time.
Now, Lockheed will be a subcontractor on the Marine One, which has been reduced to 21 helicopters. Lockheed will install integrated communications and mission systems on the aircraft, Sikorsky said.
The S-92 helicopter is used in 10 countries to transport heads of state. It is also used to transport offshore oil and gas workers.
