Sikorsky, Safran to explore cooperation on future rotorcraft

Sikorsky and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed an agreement to explore closer cooperation on existing and next-generation vertical lift platforms, expanding a partnership that spans more than four decades.

The agreement, signed at the Farnborough International Airshow, will see the companies examine opportunities to collaborate on power and propulsion technologies for Sikorsky’s future aircraft, with the aim of accelerating design cycles, reducing proposal lead times and delivering enhanced solutions for commercial and defence customers.

The partnership will focus on both current and future rotary-wing platforms, as well as unmanned aerial systems.

“We are particularly pleased to have signed this agreement with Sikorsky,” said Cédric Goubet, president of Safran Helicopter Engines. “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.”

The agreement builds on more than 40 years of cooperation centred on the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter programme, for which Safran has delivered more than 1,230 engines. Those aircraft have accumulated nearly 10 million flight hours.

Sikorsky is a Lockheed Martin company.