STRATFORD, Conn., July 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed
Martin (NYSE: LMT) today announced the successful execution of the
VH-92A Presidential Helicopter Replacement Program Critical Design
Review (CDR), signaling the program is ready to proceed to
assembly, test and evaluation.
The joint Sikorsky/Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) VH-92A
helicopter program team met in July with key collaborators from
government and industry for an in-depth design review.
Throughout the review the VH-92A program team successfully
demonstrated that the design meets the system requirements.
Review participants included NAVAIR and industrial partners who
took part in the technical presentations.
"This milestone is an important achievement for our program and
demonstrates Sikorsky and NAVAIR are well aligned," said
Spencer Elani, Sikorsky director,
VH-92A helicopter program. "We got here by completing several
milestones on or ahead of schedule. We are committed to staying on
that track as we head into the building phase of the program."
The U.S. Navy awarded a $1.24
billion fixed-price incentive Engineering and Manufacturing
Development (EMD) contract with production options to Sikorsky on
May 7, 2014, for 21 operational and
two test aircraft.
Initial fielding is planned for 2020, with production concluding
in 2023. Under the contract, Sikorsky will use its production S-92®
aircraft and integrate government defined mission systems and an
executive interior.
"This is an important step forward in the replacement of our
presidential fleet of helicopters. The successful CDR demonstrates
this helicopter system meets the requirements of the USMC and gives
them exceptional mission performance from a platform that is
affordable and supportable for this important mission," said U.S.
Marine Corps Col. Robert Pridgen,
program manager for the Naval Air System Command's Presidential
Helicopter's Program Office.
Two Engineering Development Model (EDM) aircraft are undergoing
the modification process at Sikorsky's Stratford, Conn., location. First flight of a
VH-92A configured aircraft is planned for 2017.
The VH-92A will transport the president and vice president of
the United States and other
officials. Sikorsky brings unmatched experience and a proven track
record to this mission having flown every US commander-in-chief
since President Dwight D.
Eisenhower. The VH-92A will continue this legacy for decades
to come.
This press release contains forward looking statements
concerning opportunities for development, production and sale of
helicopters. Actual results may differ materially from those
projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including
but not limited to changes in government procurement priorities and
practices, budget plans, availability of funding and in the type
and number of aircraft required; challenges in the design,
development, production and support of advanced technologies; as
well as other risks and uncertainties including but not limited to
those detailed from time to time in Lockheed Martin Corporation's
Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
For additional information, visit our website:
www.lockheedmartin.com.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda,
Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace
company that employs approximately 112,000 people worldwide and is
principally engaged in the research, design, development,
manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology
systems, products and services. The Corporation's net sales for
2014 were $45.6 billion.
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin