Esterline Corporation (NYSE:ESL), a leading specialty manufacturer serving aerospace and defense markets, has been selected by Sikorsky Aircraft (NYSE:UTX), a subsidiary of United Technologies, as a team member to build a next-generation helicopter for evaluation by the U.S. military in 2014. Esterline will be supplying controls, displays, and software services for the aircraft — designated the S-97 RAIDER™ helicopter — through its Control Systems platform, marketed under the AVISTA®, BVR™, Korry®, and Mason™ brand names.

Esterline is among more than 35 companies nationwide named preferred suppliers by Sikorsky. The company announced the list on January 12 during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Aviation symposium at National Harbor, near Washington DC.

"We are extremely proud to be part of Sikorsky's team to develop the S-97 Raider Light Tactical Helicopter," said Michel Potvin, President of Esterline Control Systems. "This project enhances our already strong relationship with Sikorsky, and will allow us to leverage our extensive human-machine interface systems engineering capabilities."

Esterline will be supplying the pilot control grips, collective controllers, cockpit displays, and actuation systems, along with software development support. Sikorsky, Esterline, and other team suppliers are self-funding the design and manufacture of two S-97 RAIDER prototype aircraft for flight evaluation by the U.S. military in 2014. The program is currently in the advanced design stage.