Rheinmetall, Sikorsky partner for Germany heavy-lift
Rheinmetall has signed a strategic teaming agreement with Sikorsky to jointly compete in the German Air Force heavy-lift helicopter programme.
Under the agreement, the companies will offer the CH-53K for the competition as successor for the legacy CH-53G fleet. Capable of heavy lift - including shipboard - operations, the CH-53K aircraft has been developed to be reliable, low maintenance and survivable.
CH-53K helicopter is designed for missions including humanitarian aid, troop transport, casualty evacuation, support of special operations forces, and combat search and rescue.
Dan Schultz, president, Sikorsky, said: ‘Sikorsky has a 45-year history supporting the German armed forces fleet of CH-53G aircraft, and we are humbled by the opportunity to continue to serve the German armed forces for another 45 years with Sikorsky’s CH-53K.
'As a former CH-53 pilot, I can attest that this aircraft is truly the most capable heavy lift helicopter we have ever built. Sikorsky’s CH-53K, combined with Rheinmetall as our key German partner, is a winning solution for Schwerer Transporthubschrauber.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Helicopter
-
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 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
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
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
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
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.