DRS Receives $10.8 M for Cargo Handling System for CH-53K

(Parsippany, N.J., April 8, 2008) -- DRS Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: DRS) announced today that it received a $10.8 million contract from Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), for the design, development and testing of the Internal Cargo Handling System for the CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopter for the U.S. Marine Corps.

The award funds the CH-53K System Development & Demonstration Phase, which includes engineering development and delivery of demonstration systems. Subsequent phases of production are expected to begin in 2012 and extend through the year 2022 with a potential program value of $116 million for a full fleet of 156 helicopters.


The company's DRS Training & Control Systems unit in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, will perform the work associated with this contract. DRS' Internal Cargo Handling System will enable the aircraft cabin of the CH-53K to transport palletized cargo. The system will be comprised of a pallet locking subsystem, retractable guide-rails, invertible roller trays, tie down devices and other system components integrated into thermoplastic composite floor panels custom designed to meet stringent weight limitations.

"This program continues the long legacy of our Fort Walton Beach, Florida operation, which has developed and produced military transport aircraft cargo handling and aerial delivery systems since 1964," said Richard S. Danforth, president of DRS' C3 business. "This new system will place DRS on the leading edge of high strength-to-weight ratio solutions for aircraft structural subsystems. We look forward to an outstanding collaborative business relationship with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation for this vital Marine Corps platform."

Source : DRS Technologies Inc.