Sikorsky Invites Commercial Helicopter Operators to Guide Next Gen Vertical Lift

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company [NYSE:LMT], has formed a group of leading commercial customers to shape the ongoing development and integration of transformative technologies for next-generation vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.

The Sikorsky Customer Advisory Group, whose launch members include Bristow, Flexjet, HeliOffshore, Macquarie, Omni Helicopters International, Shell and VIH Aviation Group, will work closely with Sikorsky to define and establish real-world requirements for the integration of these technologies into future vertical lift systems. This collaboration will help accelerate the advancement and implementation of Autonomy, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Hybrid-Electric Propulsion, ultimately driving innovation and growth in the industry.

"Sikorsky’s commitment to innovation and transformation is at the core of what we do, and we are excited to have these leading commercial customers join us on this journey," said Leon Silva, vice president of Global Commercial and Military Systems at Sikorsky. "Their expertise and insights will be invaluable as we continue to develop and refine our Hybrid-Electric Propulsion, Autonomy, and UAS technologies. Together, we will shape the future of vertical lift and create new opportunities for our industry."

The Sikorsky Customer Advisory Group will provide operators with an opportunity to provide feedback, share operational challenges and shape Sikorsky’s future product portfolio.  Collaboration will help Sikorsky to better understand its customers’ needs and to develop solutions that meet their evolving requirements. Sikorsky looks forward to welcoming additional members to the group.

Sikorsky Innovations, the company’s rapid prototyping group, is developing a family of VTOL aircraft systems, with hybrid-electric propulsion and Sikorsky’s MATRIXTM flight autonomy as enabling technologies.

The initial Sikorsky Customer Advisory Group members are:

• Dave Stepanek FRAeS, executive vice president and chief transformation officer, Bristow
• Eli Flint, president, Flexjet Vertical Lift
• Tim Rolfe, CEO, Helioffshore
• Greg A. Allen, COO, Macquarie Rotorcraft Leasing
• Jeremy Akel, group chief executive officer, Omni Helicopters International
• Mark Boumans, manager Air Transport Safety, Shell
• Ken Norie, president & CEO, VIH Aviation Group