Sikorsky Expects First Flights of CH-53K and S-97 Helicopters This Year

In the military segment, while clearly concerned with continuing budget constraints, Sikorsky expects to achieve two milestones this year with the first flights of the CH-53K, the latest version of its heavy-lift military transport, and the S-97 Raider.

For the CH-53K, Sikorsky believes its government funding is on firm footing, and a ground-test vehicle is currently in operation with a formal acceptance ceremony scheduled for May. The S-97, a follow-on to the company’s X2 technology demonstrator, is now undergoing final assembly. Sikorsky believes the 80-percent composite-frame helicopter will be a strong competitor for an eventual armed scout competition, which could see orders of more than 400 aircraft worth more than $8 billion.

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