Ducommun Incorporated was recognized today by Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., for its role as a critical partner on the S-97 RAIDER™ helicopter program. Ducommun developed the main exhaust components for the helicopter at its Coxsackie, NY, facility. Sikorsky acknowledged Ducommun and the team of 53 suppliers during an event at which Sikorsky unveiled the first of two S-97 RAIDER helicopter prototypes. The unveiling signals the start of activities in the RAIDER™ program's test flight phase and represents a major step toward demonstrating the new – and first – armed reconnaissance rotorcraft featuring X2™ technology designed for military missions including special operations. Ducommun representatives attended the event, which was held at Sikorsky's facility in West Palm Beach, Fla.

“Ducommun is proud to serve as a critical partner on this innovative and exciting new helicopter program,” said Anthony J. Reardon, chairman and chief executive officer for Ducommun. “The S-97 RAIDER promises to become a leader among the world's military rotorcraft, and we are honored that Sikorsky selected Ducommun as part of its development team. We look forward to a successful test flight phase, a critical next step in the RAIDER's advancement.”

“When Sikorsky launched the RAIDER program four years ago, it issued a challenge to industry experts to join us on a mission to develop and produce an aircraft with revolutionary capabilities that are above and beyond existing technologies. Ducommun accepted that challenge as one of 53 critical partners on this program and has delivered on its promise to support the mission. Today, we stand as a solid industry team introducing the next generation of military aircraft,” said Mark Miller, vice president of Sikorsky Research & Engineering.