UTC ponders Sikorsky's future

United Technologies is pondering the future of helicopter maker Sikorsky, according to Defense News. Sikorsky, maker of Black Hawk, could emerge as a tempting target for European firms eager to crack a U.S. market that remains lucrative. Sikorsky and UTC, which also owns aircraft engine maker Pratt & Whitney and UTC Aerospace Systems, declined comment. Sikorsky is the Pentagon's leading helicopter supplier, Boeing is second, the Bell-Boeing joint venture is No. 3, Textron's Bell Helicopter is fourth and Airbus Helicopters is fifth. (Source: Defense News, 01/27/14) Gulf Coast note: Sikorsky has multiple support operations in the Gulf Coast; Sikorsky's Schweizer 333 is the airframe for the Fire Scout MQ-8B, built in part in Moss Point, Miss.; Airbus Helicopters builds helicopters in Columbus, Miss.; Bell plans to build a helicopter plant in Lafayette, La.; UTC has a nacelles and service center in facility in Foley, Ala.