Defense Contractor Announces 'Sky Warden' Aircraft To Be Built In Tulsa

Defense contractor L3Harris announced Friday the intention to build the “Sky Warden” aircraft in Tulsa.

The Sky Warden is the company’s entry as it competes for a contract to supply 75 aircraft for the US Military. L3Harris plans to modify Air Tractor airframes with electronics and weapons needed to support special operations work. L3Harris flew in a prototype of the airplane to Tulsa for the site selection announcement. If the company wins the contract, Luke Savoie, President of the Aviation Services Division, said it could mean an additional 200 aviation jobs. The company already supports and operates aircraft in Tulsa for missile defense.

The CEO of Air Tractor, Jim Hirsch, flew an unmodified Air Tractor from Texas to Tulsa for the event, and the planes flew out together Friday afternoon.