Sikorsky taps Exelis for composite helicopter components SALT LAKE CITY, July 30 (UPI) -- Composite tail rotor blade components for Sikorsky Aircraft's S-76D helicopter are to be manufactured by ITT Exelis under a $15 million contract. No details on the timeline of the contract were disclosed. Key structures of the S-76D composite tail rotor blade assembly to be fabricated include the blades, the composite laminate beam, which carries the load of the tail rotors, and additional hardware required for final assembly. "Composite structures are increasingly used by commercial and military aircraft manufacturers to make aircraft lighter, more fuel efficient and more durable," said Mike Blair, vice president and general manager of the Exelis aerostructures business. By leveraging our core composite capabilities, demonstrated assembly expertise and commitment to lean manufacturing, we will provide Sikorsky with the highest quality, affordable composite solutions at reduced lead times. Exelis already fabricates composite structures for the commercial S-76C platform and the U.S. Marine Corps' CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter. Work for the new contract will be performed at the company's facility in Salt Lake City.