Lockheed Martin awarded $379 million helicopter contract: What it means for Owego
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Lockheed Martin has received a $379 million contract to produce eight Sikorsky MH-60R SEAHAWK helicopters in Owego.
The helicopters will be produced for the Spanish Navy (the Armada), which also purchased 12 SH-60B aircraft between 1988 and 2001, and recently acquired eight SH-60F Seahawk helicopters retired by the U.S. Navy.
Joining the 330 operational MH-60R aircraft around the globe within the U.S. Navy, Australia, Denmark, Saudi Arabia and India — delivery of aircraft to Greece and South Korea will begin in 2024 — the new helicopters are expected to be delivered to Spain by 2027.
What is the MH-60R helicopter
The MH-60R by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, is touted as the world’s most advanced maritime helicopter. It can operate from aircraft carriers, frigates, destroyers and cruisers, and has anti-submarine, anti-surface and search-and-rescue capabilities.
The MH-60R has been a mainstay at Lockheed Martin since 2007, when the company received a little over $1 billion from the U.S. Navy to produce and integrate mission systems for the helicopter. Lockheed Martin was awarded an additional $382 million in 2018 for eight MH-60R SEAHAWK helicopters.
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Adding the new helicopters will, according to the Armada, upgrade mission systems and sensors of the SH-60B fleet.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) applauded the investment and praised the Owego location for its current and past work.
"Lockheed Martin in Owego continues to be top of its class, delivering the best helicopters for America's military and allies around the world," said Schumer. "This well-deserved $379 million contract shows that the dedicated powerhouse workforce of Lockheed Martin in the Southern Tier is second to none."
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What the contract means for Lockheed in Owego
The computers which make up the cockpit of the MH-60R helicopters are constructed in Owego and then shipped to Stratford, Connecticut, where the helicopters are assembled. They are then flown back to Owego and "missionized," or fitted with advanced radars, sensors, and cameras, among other parts.
The Lockheed Martin location in Owego employs around 1,100 workers. This new contract will extend the production line in Owego for approximately one more year.
According to Sikorsky's Director of Naval Helicopter Programs Scott Breen, the Owego site's work on installing avionics in aircraft dates back to the 1950s.
"We've evolved over time and maintain our capabilities and leading-edge technologies as we continue to evolve." said Breen. "We are very proud of the workforce and the work that we do here to support the U.S. Navy and all of our international partners."
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Lockheed Martin in Owego awarded $379M contract to produce helicopters
