Cobham wins deal to make US army helicopter parts

Defence group Cobham has won a contract to make components for US army helicopters, helping its American expansion plans.

The contract, awarded by United Technologies' Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, covers the manufacture of composite components for the blades of the US Marine Corps' CH-53K Heavy Lift Replacement Helicopter.

The contract could be worth up to $25 million, depending on how many CH-53K helicopters Sikorsky eventually builds for the US army, Cobham said.

The CH-53K, which is under development by Sikorsky — which made the Black Hawk — will be the US military's largest helicopter when it enters service.

"This is an anchor programme for our business with Sikorsky, and establishes Cobham's composites business as a supplier to three United Technologies Corporation subsidiaries," said Fred Cahill, vice-president of Cobham Antenna Systems.