Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, and Safran Helicopter Engines announced today the signing of an agreement to jointly explore areas of cooperation in existing and emerging vertical lift platforms at the Farnborough International Airshow.

The agreement, signed by Rich Benton, vice president and general manager of Sikorsky, and Cédric Goubet, president of Safran Helicopter Engines, deepens a decadeslong relationship and paves the way for new collaboration on power and propulsion technologies for Sikorsky's next-generation aircraft. This will accelerate design cycles, shorten proposal turnaround times and deliver faster, higher performance solutions to customers in both commercial and defence sectors worldwide.

Executive Perspectives

"This is a great example of Lockheed Martin's commitment to partnering with the European industry to enhance the systems we provide that deliver high performance, reliable mission capabilities," said Benton. "When we collaborate across industry from day one, we empower our customers with the speed of decision-making and the confidence that the final aircraft will meet performance, safety and schedule requirements."

"We are particularly pleased to have signed this agreement with Sikorsky. Our two companies share a particularly strong history, and our engines have powered several of their helicopters, including notably the S-76. There are still new chapters to be written," said Goubet. "As the world leader in helicopter propulsion and pioneer of hybrid-electric propulsion, our products and services would provide an unrivalled competitive advantage for Sikorsky's future helicopters."

The new agreement builds on 40 years of collaboration that powers the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter, with more than 1,230 Safran engines delivered, and nearly 10 million flight hours accumulated.

The companies have started to identify opportunities for their collaboration including new and existing rotary wing platforms and unmanned aerial systems.