LORD Corporation was recently selected by Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) as a member of a newly-formed team that is building two next-generation helicopter prototypes for evaluation by the U.S. military.

Designated the S-97 RAIDERâ„¢ helicopter, the aircraft is at the forefront of future rotorcraft design and is a follow-up to Sikorsky’s successful X2 TECHNOLOGYâ„¢ demonstrator aircraft, which in September 2010 reached 250 knots flight speed, or twice the average maximum flight speed of a conventional helicopter. The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) awarded Sikorsky the 2010 Robert J. Collier Trophy for the achievement.

LORD Corporation’s elastomeric bearings and its Active Vibration Control System will enable the aircraft to demonstrate significant improvements to a conventional helicopter’s performance. The program is currently in the advanced design stage. Sikorsky expects to fly the RAIDER aircraft in 2014.

“LORD joined the S-97 RAIDER helicopter team because of our leadership and expertise in vibration control systems and our overall drive for innovation,” said Joe Marotta, president, Americas, LORD Corporation. “We look forward to delivering game changing technology to this ground-breaking platform.”

Like the X2 Technology demonstrator, the S-97 RAIDER helicopter will feature coaxial counter-rotating main rotors and a pusher propeller that will provide dramatic improvements in maneuverability, hover efficiency, high/ hot climate performance, and speed. The X2 Technology design is scalable, opening up a variety of potential mission uses including combat search and rescue, armed aerial scout, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), attack, special operations, VIP and offshore oil transport.

About Sikorsky

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), is based in Stratford, Conn., and is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.