Curtiss-Wright Controls to develop controls for the CH-53K

Curtiss-Wright Controls, Inc. today announced that it has received a contract from Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation to develop and supply the blade fold distributor units and digital air data computers for the CH-53K heavy lift helicopter for use by the US Marine Corps. The contract has a total potential value of $16 million if development and all aircraft production options and phases are completed.

"Curtiss-Wright is proud to supply our blade fold technology and digital air data computers to Sikorsky for use on the CH-53K heavy lift helicopter," said David Adams, co-chief operating officer of Curtiss-Wright Corporation.

Curtiss-Wright's Motion Control segment will supply the blade fold units and the digital air data computers. The blade fold units will process the required information to execute the folding or spreading of the main rotor blades, and provide monitoring and status communication with other CH-53K systems. The digital air data computer provides flight critical height and speed information to the cockpit and other important helicopter systems. Curtiss-Wright is developing and manufacturing the blade fold distributors at its City of Industry, CA, facility and the digital air data computers at its Penny & Giles facility in Christchurch, UK. The initial contract runs through 2011 with the production phase expected to start in 2013.

Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.. Currently, the Sikorsky CH-53E SUPER STALLION is the largest and most powerful helicopter in the United States military. The CH-53K is expected to replace the CH-53E helicopters that the Marine Corps currently deploys from amphibious assault ships to transport personnel and equipment, and to carry external cargo loads. The CH-53K helicopter is designed to transport heavy payloads over longer distances and will significantly reduce operation and support costs.

Source: Curtiss-Wright Controls, Inc.

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