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A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held Friday recognizing a new helicopter center coming to Altus.

According to an announcement from Sen. James Inhofe’s office, a Sikorsky Training Academy will be coming to Altus, and bringing with it, 50 new jobs.

According to the Sikorsky web site, “Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. Its mission statement reflects the company’s long commitment to safety and innovation: ‘We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere… every time™.’”

Sikorsky manufactures many helicopter lines for military use: the Black Hawk, the Sea Hawk, the H-92, CH-53, the Light Turbine, Reconnaissance Fixed Wing, the H-3, and the PZL Mielec aircraft. The Black Hawk is the so-called “first choice for tactical operations worldwide”. The Black Hawk is used by 25 nations for multi-mission support. The Sea Hawk is used in anti-submarine warfare. The H-92 is used for troop transport or medical evacuations.

For commercial use, Sikorsky manufactures these helicopters: the S-76, S-92, Light Turbine, Light Piston, and the PZL Mielec aircraft. The S-76 is an all-purpose workhorse for 40 nations in the world, among varying climates. The S-92 is the most advanced Sikorsky helicopter, according to their web site, meeting strict safety certifications in the U.S. and Europe. You can see photos of these aircraft on their web site at “www.sikorsky.com”.

Sikorsky is part of United Technologies Corporation (UTC). Other aviation-related partners in UTC are Pratt and Whitney, Otis, Carrier, UTC Fire and Security and Hamilton Sundstrand. There is more information available on the “www.utc.com” web site.