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Publish Date : 12-Mar-2014

Sikorsky has awarded a contract worth $34 million to Exelis for the production of major structural airframe components for four production representative CH53K heavy lift helicopters.

With these four aircraft, which are designated as System Demonstration Test Articles (SDTA), the U.S. Marine Corps will be able to carry out operational evaluation of the new helicopter system beginning in 2017.

As per the contract, Exelis will fabricate and assemble the composite sponsors, the tail rotor pylon and the horizontal stabilizer of the CH53K. The use of composite materials helps to increase the performance and capability of the aircraft by reducing weight and fuel consumption, which allows for increased payload capacity and expanded flight range.

Production will perform at the Exelis composite design and manufacturing center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Exelis is part of an industry team led by Sikorsky that is assembling prototype CH53K aircraft for first flight in late 2014. The Marine Corps anticipate standing up the first CH53K heavy lift helicopter squadron in 2019.

Mike Blair, vice president and general manager of the Exelis Aerostructures business said, "Our breadth of composite fabrication expertise combined with skilled assembly capability provides our customer with the most affordable solutions. The use of composite technology on the CH53K helicopter ensures that the weight, durability and affordability objectives of the program are met."

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