WHI announces Sikorsky CH-53K cockpit escape hatches and transition kit awards

WHI Global, LLC ("WHI"), an integrated manufacturer of metal and composite structures for the aerospace & defense industry, has been selected by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company to produce the Cockpit Escape Hatches, Transition to Cabin Joining Kit and Transition to Tail Rotor Pylon Joining Kit for the CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopter. The contract is valued at over $60 million, and the assemblies will be produced at WHI's Aerobond Composites, LLC, Springfield and M&M Manufacturing, Inc., Tulsa facilities.

WHI's relationship with Sikorsky dates back decades as a long-term supplier on the UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter, among other commercial and military rotorcraft platforms. Al Altieri, Chief Executive Officer of WHI, commented "We are very excited and honored by the trust Sikorsky has placed in our relationship, and our ability to execute on this critical statement of work. We are honored to have the opportunity to serve our military as a key supplier on this remarkable aircraft".

The Marine Corps' CH-53K King Stallion helicopter replaces the legacy CH-53E using proven and mature technologies and will deliver more than three times the capability of its predecessor. The CH-53K is designed to improve aircraft, aircrew, and passenger survivability, reduce pilot workload, increase pilot situational awareness, and significantly reduce operating and support costs. The CH-53K is the most capable heavy lift helicopter in the world.