Sikorsky

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, commonly known as Sikorsky, is an American aerospace manufacturer specializing in helicopters and rotorcraft. It designs, builds, and supports rotary-wing aircraft for military and civilian use. The company traces its origins to Igor Sikorsky, who founded the Igor Sikorsky Aircraft Company in 1923 after emigrating to the United States, and who helped pioneer practical rotorcraft.

A landmark in its history came with the R-4, produced in the early 1940s, which became the first mass-produced helicopter and the first to enter military service in the United States, establishing Sikorsky as a leading rotorcraft producer. In the following decades the company expanded its helicopter line to include a range of military and civilian models. Notable examples include versatile utility and transport helicopters for the U.S. and allied forces, as well as civil models used in offshore, offshore energy, and executive transport roles. Its product family has evolved to include heavy-lift platforms, advanced multi-mission aircraft, and modern rotorcraft with improved avionics and survivability features.

Corporate ownership and structure have also evolved. Sikorsky became part of United Technologies and, in 2015, was acquired by Lockheed Martin, where it operates as a subsidiary. The company maintains manufacturing and engineering facilities in the United States and abroad and continues to develop next-generation rotorcraft, including advanced vertical-lift aircraft and related systems, for global customers.