Lockheed Martin officials say employees at the company's Tioga County site are looking forward to working on the presidential helicopter program.

The United State Navy has awarded the prestigious project to the team of Sikorsky Aircraft and Lockheed Martin.

Bob Joseph/WNBF News
Bob Joseph/WNBF News
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Roger Il Grande, Lockheed's director of airborne systems, said the contract represents an "outstanding achievment" following years of "hard work and dedication" by those at the Owego facility.

Il Grande said the contract award is "tremendous news" for the local site. Speaking with reporters today, he said "it's really, really, really important news" for the Owego facility. He said it's too soon to know the specific impact the program will have on the number of employees at the plant.

The facility will install communications and mission systems equipment in the future presidential helicopters.

The site also will provide maintenance training devices and specialized trainers.

The helicopters will be assembled at a Sikorsky site and painted with the traditional "Marine One" colors at the Owego facility.

The first two test aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Navy by the end of 2018.

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