Presidential Helicopters Will Be in Owego in 2015

Lockheed Martin has announced more details regarding their contract to help build the next fleet of presidential helicopters. According to Lockheed officials, the first two test presidential helicopters have been scheduled to come to Owego next year, with two time slots in 2015 when the Owego workers will be installing the integrated communications and mission systems. Those two helicopters will be delivered to the government by the end of 2018. The U.S. Navy announced on Wednesday that Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky Aircraft had won the contract to build the new fleet, a contract worth $1.24 billion. While it is expected that the contract will bring as many as 200 jobs to Owego, Lockheed officials have not been able to pinpoint exactly when hiring for those positions will begin. Twenty-one operational Marine One helicopters are expected to be provided to the government by 2023. Of all the work taking place on the helicopters, including assembly, modifications, mission systems and interior installation, about 19 percent of the work is expected to take place in Owego.