Sikorsky Aircraft — Stratford, Connecticut

Plaintiffs alleged in publicly filed U.S. asbestos personal-injury and wrongful-death litigation that workers at the Sikorsky Aircraft Division manufacturing complex in Stratford, Fairfield County, Connecticut, sustained occupational asbestos exposure during helicopter design, manufacturing, and testing operations spanning the mid-twentieth century.

Facility Background

Sikorsky Aircraft, founded by Igor Sikorsky and later acquired by United Technologies (now Lockheed Martin), has operated its primary manufacturing and flight test facility in Stratford since the 1920s. Sikorsky pioneered practical helicopter design and manufactured military and commercial helicopters at the Stratford plant, including the famous H-19 Chickasaw, SH-3 Sea King, and Black Hawk series. The facility employed thousands of workers in manufacturing, assembly, and flight test operations.

Plaintiffs alleged that the manufacturing of helicopters and their power plants required extensive use of asbestos-containing materials for thermal and acoustic insulation in engine compartments, test cells, and facility buildings.

Alleged Asbestos Pathways

Plaintiffs alleged in litigation that asbestos exposure occurred through multiple pathways at Sikorsky’s Stratford complex:

  • Engine test and overhaul: Plaintiffs alleged that helicopter engine test cells used asbestos-containing insulation and protective materials to manage heat and noise, exposing test engineers and mechanics.
  • Manufacturing building maintenance: Plaintiffs alleged that the manufacturing and assembly buildings were served by steam heating systems with asbestos-insulated piping, boilers, and heat exchangers, and that maintenance workers encountered asbestos materials during routine upkeep and repair.
  • Foundry and heat treatment: Plaintiffs alleged that metal casting, heat treatment, and forming operations used asbestos-containing refractory materials and protective equipment.
  • Gaskets and seals in assembly: Plaintiffs alleged that assembly mechanics and test technicians handled asbestos-containing gaskets and seals during helicopter system assembly and overhaul.

Connecticut has a two-year statute of limitations under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584, running from the date of mesothelioma diagnosis under the discovery rule. Wrongful death claims carry a two-year limit under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-555.

Workers who were employed at Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford and who have since been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related disease may have legal remedies available. Contact O’Brien Law Firm at (314) 237-3332 to discuss your work history and legal options at no cost.