Connecticut Manufacturer Only Company Left In The Competition

When the Navy awards a contract for a new Presidential helicopter ... likely next month ... the choice should be an easy one.

That's because Sikorsky is the only manufacturer still in the running. Both Boeing and a team consisting of AgustaWestland and Northrop Grumman have dropped out of the bidding process.

AW and NGC were planning to offer a variant of the AW101. Boeing was working on modified models of both the V-22 Osprey and the CH-47 Chinook.

Sikorsky's bid for the VXX program is based on the S-92 helicopter. The Navy plans to acquire 2 test and 21 operational aircraft for the program.

The DOD Buzz website reports that the process has been a long one. Five years ago, a contract with Lockheed and AgustaWestland was cancelled after the program far exceeded its timeline and budget.

Sikorsky built the aging VH-3D Sea King helicopters currently flying as Marine One. The Navy would not confirm that Sikorsky is the only bidder left in the competition.

(Sikorsky S92 pictured in file photo)

FMI: www.navy.mil