Sikorsky, one of the state's biggest employers, has lost its multibillion-dollar Army contract, leaving many questions for the 8,000 people who work there.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal responded to news of the contract going to another company.

"I am deeply disappointed, in fact infuriated, by this decision to award this contract to Bell rather than Sikorsky," he said. "The Sikorsky helicopter is said to be more reliable, more cost-effective, and more strategic than the Bell version."

Last month, Sikorsky's Black Hawk lost to rival Bell's futuristic aircraft.

Sikorsky filed an official protest of the Pentagon's decision with the Congressional General Accounting Office.

Sikorsky is a massive employer for the state, employing close to 8,000 workers in Stratford.

Stratford Mayor Laura Hoydick said in a statement, "While it wasn't the outcome we are sure Sikorsky was hoping for, we're confident in the innovative technology and the long-standing history and reputation of Sikorsky, and are proud to have Sikorsky as an integral part of the Stratford community for so long."

Sikorsky president Paul Lemmo said a month ago that this won't have an immediate effect on employees.

"This decision has no major immediate impact on our workforce here," he said.

The company responded in kind saying, "We remain confident the Lockheed Martin Sikorsky and Boeing team submitted the most capable, affordable and lowest-risk Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft solution. We will review the GAO's decision and determine our next steps."

Blumenthal says there will be future defense budget funds to purchase additional Black Hawks made by Sikorsky, whose current contract runs for five more years and could be extended through 2023.