Story and image from Lockheed Martin
Los Angeles, California, October 29, 2025 — As the threat of wildfires continues to intensify, the County of Los Angeles today announced a new contract with Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT) for two S‑70i FIREHAWK® helicopters. The new aircraft will enhance round the clock wildfire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services missions throughout the county’s 4,000 square mile area, where rapid, reliable aerial response can mean the difference between safety and catastrophe.
Why the FIREHAWK Remains Indispensable
Since the early 2000s, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department’s fleet of FIREHAWK helicopters has been the primary rotary wing asset for tackling the most challenging wildfires and a broad range of all hazard emergencies including medical evacuations, search and rescue, and disaster relief.
The aircraft’s distinctive capabilities make it uniquely suited to California’s demanding fire environment:
- 1,000-gallon water tank with a retractable snorkel that refills in under a minute, allowing rapid turnaround on the fire line.
- Twin turbine engines provide speeds up to 155 knots and the power to fly in strong Santa Ana winds, maneuver safely through canyons, and operate from sea level to 10,000 ft.
- Night vision compatible flight controls enable pilots and crews to attack wildfires after dark, when fire activity often slows and containment opportunities increase.
- Multi-mission flexibility, allowing quick reconfiguration for hoist rescues, air medical transport, crew haul, or aerial reconnaissance.
Click the link to read the full story! -> LAFD orders 2 more Sikorsky Helicopters
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expected delivery dates. Such statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future results, prospects and opportunities and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements will not be updated unless required by law. Actual results and performance may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.