Goodrich Corporation (NYSE: GR) will participate as a member of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation's S-97 RAIDER(TM) helicopter supplier team that is building a next-generation helicopter for evaluation by the U.S. military in 2014. Proven Goodrich technology for the S-97 RAIDER aircraft includes high speed flexible couplings and an advanced tail propulser drive shaft system; a SmartProbe(TM) air data system; and a lightweight efficient LED lighting system. Products will be developed and produced by Goodrich teams in Rome, N.Y., Burnsville, Minn., and Oldsmar, Fla.

The drive system saves significant weight over traditional helicopter drive systems, while maintaining rugged reliability and damage tolerance for continued operation in battlefield conditions. The SmartProbe air data system provides weight savings, increased performance and maturity from millions of operational flight hours on platforms worldwide. Along with weight savings, the new LED lighting system delivers reduced life cycle costs and significantly less power usage than incandescent lights.

"Goodrich's selection was based on its capabilities to contribute high performance, reliable, low weight technologies that are easily integrated into the new rotorcraft design," said Steve Croke, VP Goodrich Power Transmission Systems. "Goodrich is at the forefront of rotorcraft technology around the world. Our advanced systems have the maturity required to meet the team's goal to achieve first flight in 2014," he added.

The S-97 RAIDER aircraft program follows Sikorsky's successful X2 TECHNOLOGY(TM) demonstrator aircraft, which flew at more than 250 knots flight speed, or twice the average cruise speed of a conventional helicopter. The National Aeronautic Association awarded Sikorsky and teammates that included Goodrich the 2010 Robert J. Collier Trophy for the achievement, and for its potential as a future rotorcraft technology.