First major assembly delivered for the Sikorsky CH-53K heavy lift helicopter
GKN Aerospace has delivered the first major structural assembly for the CH-53K heavy lift helicopter to Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.
The CH-53K helicopter's aft transition fuselage section measures approximately 20 feet long by 9 feet wide and 9 feet high and features an advanced hybrid composite, aluminium and titanium structure covered with external composite skins.
The work is being undertaken as part of a multi-year System Design & Development (SDD) contract in which GKN Aerospace was accorded full design authority and manufacturing responsibility for the CH-53K helicopter aft transition fuselage section, cargo ramp, and overhead door structural assemblies. GKN Aerospace was awarded the contract in 2007 and will deliver seven development ship sets to Sikorsky by 2012.
Structural design was carried out by the GKN Aerospace Engineering Development Center in Nashville, TN, whilst manufacturing takes place at the Company's plant in St. Louis, MO. Full production of 156 ship sets is expected to commence in 2013 and continue through 2022.
To meet demanding CH-53K helicopter programme weight, durability and affordability objectives, GKN Aerospace is employing the latest design and manufacturing technologies including automated fibre placement (AFP), automated trim and drill and digital inspection. In total, more than 1,000 separate metallic and composite detailed parts per aircraft are manufactured and assembled by the GKN Aerospace team.
Kevin Cummings, President and CEO, GKN Aerospace - Aerostructures North America commented: "We are proud to be a part of the team on this critical platform and to deliver the first developmental version of what is a major element of the advanced structure of the helicopter. We are in no doubt that our work with Sikorsky on this programme represents a significant step forward in the application of state of the art processes to improve rotary wing design and manufacture."
Source: Sikorsky
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine]()
Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine
Germany has committed to sending Ukraine six of its 21 retiring WS-61 Westland Sea King multirole, amphibious helicopters.
-
![Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook]()
Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook
Boeing has clinched a major contract modification to further its backing of the US Special Operations Command’s MH-47G Chinook aircraft modernisation effort.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut]()
Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut
Two KAI helicopters, the KUH-1E utility helicopter and the Light Attack Helicopter (LAH), have taken centre stage at the Dubai Airshow 2023.
-
![Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter]()
Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter
The Italian Navy now boasts a fleet of 56 NH90 helicopters comprising 46 SH-90As and 10 MH-90As.
-
![Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters]()
Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters
The Argentinian Air Force (FAA) and the Argentinian Naval Aviation Command (COAN) are looking for options to upgrade their helicopter fleets.
-
![DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest]()
DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest
Lockheed Martin promises a boost to the British job market and export opportunities, while strengthening ties with Poland and positioning the UK for a future in rotorcraft technology in the event of a New Medium Helicopter competition triumph.
