CPI Aerostructures Inc. has a purchase order from Sikorsky Aircraft to manufacture outboard wing assemblies for the SA-338B maritime patrol aircraft. CPI Aero will be providing outer wing assemblies for two aircraft plus a separate wing designated for structural testing.
Delivery of these assemblies will start later this year.
CPI Aero produces structural aircraft parts for defense contractors, the U.S. Air Force, and other branches of the armed forces.
Sikorsky develops and produces military aircraft systems, including the H-60 helicopter series, for the U.S. Government and international military customers under FMS contracts. The SA-338B is being marketed to the U.S. Coast Guard and Dept. of Homeland Security.
The SA-338B Shadow Hawk is a two or three-seat, fixed-gear, low-wing, twin boom aircraft designed to fly slowly along a coastline at an altitude of about 1,500 to 2,000 feet. Its primary missions include border protection, counter drug activities, intelligence collection against regional instabilities, fisheries patrol, environmental monitoring, and search and rescue.
CPI Aero president and CEO Edward J. Fred stated, “We have a long and valued relationship with Sikorsky and are pleased that this partnership has now expanded to the Horseheads-based subsidiary. While the initial requirement for the SA-338B wings is small, we are hopeful that it will lead to more sizable orders once the aircraft enters production.”
