The US Navy announced a nearly $46 million contract with Lockheed Martin on Friday.
The contract is for development of the unmanned K-Max heavy lift helicopter. The vehicle is built by Kaman Aerospace in Connecticut and equipped by Lockheed workers in Owego.
The K-Max is designed to get supplies to troops in dangerous areas without putting a helicopter flight crew in danger. It can carry as much as 6,000 pounds.
A company spokesman says all work for the contract will be done with existing staff at Lockheed’s plant in Owego.
The Navy also gave a $30 million contract to Boeing for a similar helicopter project.
