Sikorsky Loses Out On Contract To Replace Black Hawk Helicopters

STRATFORD, CT — Stratford-based Sikorsky has lost out on the U.S. Army’s contract to build the replacement aircraft for its Black Hawk helicopters, according to officials.

The U.S. Army announced Monday that it has awarded the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft contract to Texas-based Bell Textron, Incorporated. The Army initiated the FLRAA program in 2019 as part of its Future Vertical Lift initiative to replace a portion of its assault and utility helicopter fleet, according to a news release.

The FLRAA is intended to eventually replace the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, which has been in service for more than four decades.

“This news is disappointing, but it’s important to remember you can’t fly without Connecticut,” Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement on Monday night. “Sikorsky is a legacy Connecticut company with one of the best trained workforces in the world, and while leadership takes the time to review their bid to understand more about the Army’s decision, we stand behind them and their employees. The state will continue to work closely with Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky to secure future opportunities for the people of Connecticut to make the most advanced aircraft in the skies.”

Sikorsky and Boeing developed the Defiant-X prototype to replace the Black Hawk helicopters.

The Connecticut Post reported that Sikorsky and Boeing have the option of challenging the Army’s award if they find flaws in the Pentagon's methodology for choosing Bell Textron’s Bell V-280 Valor.

“I am disappointed that Sikorsky was not selected for the Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) Contract,” U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, who represents Connecticut’s 3rd District that includes Stratford, said in a statement. “Sikorsky makes the best helicopters in the world and is one of the largest employers in Connecticut. Sikorsky and their employees are the lifeblood of our community. Their defense manufacturing plays a critical role in helping the men and women of our armed services carry out their duties safely.

“I intend to receive briefings from the Army to better understand how and why the decision was made. I will continue to fight like hell to ensure Sikorsky, and other organizations and companies in Connecticut, receive funding opportunities that support our workers and our economy — and that ultimately preserve jobs.”

State Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) said: “This news is disappointing for our community and for the hard-working men and women who build the world's best helicopter. Sikorsky is a leader in innovation, building the world class helicopter that flies our Commander in Chief. It's surprising that the Pentagon did not choose that same quality, best-in-the-world team to also fly our men and women in the armed forces. The Black Hawk and Sikorsky have flown and protected those who serve for many years with the utmost quality and delivery. I remain optimistic that although the Bell V-280 Valor was chosen for its speed and distance, the Pentagon will also see the value to invest in aircraft that is extremely reliable and maneuverable in tight situations like Sikorsky helicopters. It is my hope that the Pentagon will evaluate continuing the Black Hawk helicopter in a modified version and look to Sikorsky for the FARA (Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft) project of the future."