Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky are partners again; to build fleet of Air Force helicopters

Lockheed Martin Corp. and United Technologies Corp.'s Sikorsky Aircraft unit are joining forces again on a government contract.

The two companies have landed a $1.28 billion contract with the Air Force to build a new fleet of combat rescue helicopters.

Connecticut-based Sikorsky will provide the aircraft, and Lockheed Martin's plant in Owego will handle the new helicopter's modernized mission systems and other special equipment.

The contract announced Thursday calls for 112 combat search-and-rescue helicopters.

Last month, the Navy struck a $1.2 billion deal with the Lockheed-Sikorsky team to build the next generation of presidential helicopters.

Lockheed Martin has about 2,600 employees in Owego on New York's Southern Tier.