UTAS components for CH-53K
UTC Aerospace Systems (UTAS) will provide components for the US Marine Corps’ CH-53K King Stallion helicopter, the company announced on 9 May.
The company will supply the power transmission system for the aircraft’s tail rotor, including drive shafts, couplings and bearing assemblies. For enhanced reliability, the drive shaft system is constructed of titanium and high-strength aluminum to reduce corrosion, while decreasing weight. The entire drive shaft system is designed with a high degree of damage and ballistic tolerance to increase aircraft survivability in combat environments.
The company will also provide the King Stallion’s disconnect mechanism, which decouples the drive shaft in the tail and assists in allowing it to fold automatically when the pilot presses a button in the cockpit. By folding its main rotor as well, the CH-53K is fully shipboard compatible, capable of operating from and being stored on the busy and crowded flight decks of aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships.
The helicopter is expected to achieve initial operational capability in 2019 and be ready for deployment by 2023-2024.
The helicopter will support missions such as humanitarian aid, troop transport, casualty evacuation, support of special operations forces and combat SAR.
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