Lockheed Martin segment Sikorsky has teamed up with France’s Safran Helicopter Engines to jointly explore potential collaborations supporting current and future vertical lift platforms.
The partnership aims to fast-track design timelines, cut turnaround times, and optimize the distribution of improved aerospace solutions to global end users across military and commercial sectors.
It also positions new ventures associated with power and propulsion technologies in support of Sikorsky’s current and next-generation rotary-wing portfolio, in addition to unmanned aerial systems.
The consortium said the deal builds on a four-decade relationship, through which Safran has supplied more than 1,230 engines for Sikorsky’s S-76 medium utility helicopter line, logging almost 10 million flight hours.
“Our two companies share a particularly strong history. There are still new chapters to be written,” said Cédric Goubet, president of Safran Helicopter Engines.
“As the world leader in helicopter propulsion and pioneer of hybrid-electric propulsion, our products and services would provide an unrivalled competitive advantage for Sikorsky’s future helicopters.”
Rich Benton, vice president and general manager at Sikorsky, added that the partnership highlights the company’s commitment to working with European suppliers to build more dependable and optimized platforms.
“When we collaborate across industry from day one, we empower our customers with the speed of decision-making and the confidence that the final aircraft will meet performance, safety and schedule requirements,” Benton stated.
