CPI Aerostructures announces order from Sikorsky Aircraft for outer wings for fixed wing reconnaissance aircraft

CPI Aerostructures, Inc. announced today that it has received a purchase order from Sikorsky Aircraft for the manufacture of outboard wing assemblies for the SA-338B maritime patrol aircraft. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.

CPI Aero will be providing outer wing assemblies for two aircraft plus a separate wing designated for structural testing. Delivery of these assemblies is expected to begin in late 2010.

Edward J. Fred, CPI Aero's President and CEO stated, "We have a long and valued relationship with Sikorsky and are pleased that this partnership has now expanded to the Horseheads-based subsidiary. While the initial requirement for the SA-338B wings is small, we are hopeful that it will lead to more sizable orders once the aircraft enters production."

The SA-338B Shadow Hawk aircraft is a two or three-seat, fixed gear, low wing, twin boom aircraft. The SA-338B aircraft is designed to fly slowly along a coastline at an altitude of about 1,500 to 2,000 feet. Its primary mission applications include border protection, counter drug activities, intelligence collection against regional instabilities, fisheries patrol, environmental monitoring, and search and rescue. Sikorsky is marketing the SA-338B to the United States Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security.