LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky recognized Era Group Inc. today as the first operator to enter revenue service with a new production Sikorsky S-92^® helicopter with Gross Weight Expansion (GWE). The event was conducted at the 2016 Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo show at Sikorsky's booth where Era's S-92 helicopter is on display. Sikorsky Aircraft is a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT).

Era's first Sikorsky S-92 helicopter with GWE entered into revenue service in the Gulf of Mexico in October 2015. The GWE increases the maximum take-off weight from 26,500 to 27,700 pounds. Era recently accepted delivery of its second S-92 helicopter with the GWE option, and now operates a fleet of nine Sikorsky aircraft.

"Our customers are greatly benefitting from the extra payload offered by this S-92 helicopter," said Chris Bradshaw, President and Chief Executive Officer, Era Group, Inc. "The safety, reliability and performance of the S-92 helicopter makes it an optimal platform for those we serve."

Sikorsky has delivered more than 275 S-92 helicopters to customers throughout the world. The fleet has flown more than 950,000 flight hours. S-92 helicopters perform a variety of missions including oil & gas worker transportation, search and rescue, and a variety of transportation missions for head of state, utility and airline passengers.

For additional information, visit our website: www.sikorsky.com.

About Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, based in Stratford, Connecticut, is a world leader in aircraft design, manufacture and service. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that – with the addition of Sikorsky –employs approximately 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

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SOURCE Sikorsky