August 26 - The U.S. Navy has awarded Sikorsky Aircraft a $43 million contract to continue risk reduction work in support of the U.S. Marine Corps Heavy Lift Replacement (HLR) program.

The contract covers engineering trade studies, configuration definition, and related program planning activities. It is a follow-on to a previous $34 million contract awarded to Sikorsky in 2004 for the initial round of HLR risk reduction work.

The HLR program calls for development and procurement of 156 new-build helicopters derived from the CH-53E Super Stallion. First deliveries are planned for 2014. The exact development schedule and procurement quantities are determined by yearly budget authorizations and specific contract awards.