Sikorsky, Rheinmetall lay out support hub plans
Sikorsky and Rheinmetall have announced plans to set up a logistics and fleet management center at Leipzig/ Halle Airport if the Bundeswehr selects the CH-53K as its next heavy-lift transport helicopter.
The CH-53K is being offered for Germany’s Schwerer Transporthubschrauber (STH) heavy lift helicopter programme. Sikorsky and Rheinmetall have assembled a team of German technology companies to support its bid, including MTU Aero Engines, ZF Luftfahrttechnik, Autoflug, HYDRO Systems, Collins Aerospace, Vincorion, Hensoldt and Rohde & Schwarz.
Rheinmetall and Sikorsky are working with the airport operator in Leipzig to establish the center, which is necessary for the operation of the helicopter fleet. In addition to using existing hangars and storage areas at Leipzig/Halle Airport, the team will establish a fleet management center where technical helicopter data can be evaluated.
Christian Albrecht, business development manager at Sikorsky in Berlin, said: ‘We have built up a strong industrial team in Germany that will ensure the availability of the CH-53K fleet for the German Air Force. With our plans for a hub at Leipzig/Halle Airport, we are laying the foundation to provide the Bundeswehr with a helicopter that will be reliable for several decades to come.’
The Bundeswehr is expected to award a contract for its new heavy-lift helicopter in 2021.
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