Piasecki Aircraft Corporation Acquires Lockheed Martin Sikorsky Heliplex in Coatesville, Pennsylvania

Piasecki To Transform Former Sikorsky Helicopter Plant Into Advanced VTOL R&D Facility; Plans To Hire 400 Workers By 2028.

Piasecki Aircraft Corporation Ribbon-Cutting in Coatesville, PA

From left to right: Mike Stanberry, Mike Hirschberg, Rick Siger, Arthur Kania, Fred Piasecki, Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, Dr. Martine Rothblatt, John Piasecki, Greg Piasecki, Val Miftakhov, Michael Tremlett, Bill Moeller

Coatesville, Pa., May 31, 2023 (VSNewsNetwork.com) - Piasecki Aircraft Corporation (PiAC), a renowned pioneer in advanced rotorcraft technology, has made a significant announcement today regarding its latest acquisition. The company has successfully acquired the former Lockheed Martin Sikorsky Heliplex facility in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. This facility, previously serving as a production and delivery center for Sikorsky's S-76 and S-92 helicopters, will now be transformed into an advanced Research and Development (R&D) center for next-generation Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and related enabling technologies.

Piasecki Aircraft Corporation plans to utilize the state-of-the-art, 219,000 square foot facility to develop and test their forthcoming PA-890 helicopter, which is set to be the world's first zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell rotorcraft. The transformed facility will include engineering development, aircraft assembly, paint and finishing facilities, as well as a well-equipped production flight test and delivery center. The facility is scheduled to open in the fall and is expected to attract approximately 400 workers by 2028.

John Piasecki, CEO of PiAC, expressed his excitement about the new acquisition and expansion, stating, "This world-class facility will serve as a strong foundation for future growth and will enable us to expand our R&D and production capabilities as we deliver transformational vertical lift technologies to the defense and commercial markets." Piasecki highlighted the Delaware Valley's rich history within the helicopter industry, its highly-talented workforce, and robust supplier network as key factors that influenced their decision to expand their development capabilities in the region. The company aims to create local jobs and foster cutting-edge innovation, supporting a community known for its aviation excellence.

U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan from Pennsylvania's 6th congressional district expressed her support for Piasecki's expansion, emphasizing the skilled manufacturing and tech workforces in Chester County. Houlahan recognized the potential of Piasecki's advancements in hydrogen fuel cell development and their commitment to transforming vertical lift flight while reducing carbon emissions. She affirmed her dedication to supporting such innovations through her work in Congress.

The acquisition and expansion into the Heliplex facility were made possible with the strong support of Pennsylvania Governors Tom Wolf and Josh Shapiro, the Chester County Commissioners, the Chester County Economic Development Council, Senator Robert Casey, and Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan.

Piasecki Aircraft Corporation, with 80 years of innovation in vertical flight, has been a leader in the field since its establishment in 1943. The company's legacy includes the development of the world's first tandem rotor helicopter and a range of groundbreaking vertical lift technologies. Their current R&D programs focus on the hydrogen fuel cell-powered PA-890 eVTOL aircraft, the Aerial Reconfigurable Embedded System (ARES), and the Adaptive Digital Automated Pilotage Technology (ADAPT™).

PiAC's achievements have garnered recognition, including the Presidential National Medal of Technology, the Smithsonian Air & Space Achievement Award, and the prestigious Tibbitts Award for small business innovation from the U.S. Department of Defense. As an active member of the Vertical Flight Society for over 50 years, PiAC remains committed to advancing vertical lift aircraft and continuing their legacy of innovation.

For more information about Piasecki Aircraft Corporation and its groundbreaking projects, visit piasecki.com.

Source: Piasecki Aircraft Corporation via Newswire