Posted on 07/03/2010 12:34:31 AM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Germany, Israel and Taiwan top the list of countries interested in Sikorsky’s new CH-53K, now scheduled for first flight in 2013.
The heavy lifter, which is headed for service with the U.S. Marine Corps, has suffered from delays, including a slip in initial operational capability of three years, to 2018. The delays seem not to faze the Marines and the CH-53K program office at Naval Air Systems Command (Navair). The extra time “buys [foreign countries] time to make an informed decision,” says Capt. Rick Muldoon, program manager.
Germany operates about 80 CH-53D model aircraft, designated the CH-53G, 40 of which it is upgrading. Eventually, Germany hopes to replace its CH-53 fleet, and the French want to establish a heavy-lift capability for themselves. A key design feature of the future helicopter involves carrying a load internally rather than using sling loads.
Capt. Muldoon feels the CH-53K would be an excellent replacement, and says the internal load requirement misses the point. The CH-53G does not have the capacity even of the CH-53E, which can fly between 125-130 kt. with a stable load hooked to a dual-point system.
“Part of what’s driving their requirement is there’s a perception that you have to bring a load internally so you can go faster,” Muldoon says. “The other argument is that you are vulnerable with an external load.” The Marines disagree, and are providing the Germans with data to demonstrate the CH-53E’s external load capacity. The CH-53K will be able to carry triple loads, a single load on a main hook or a dual-point load, Muldoon says.
(Excerpt) Read more at aviationnow.com ...
Ahhh my baby is growing up nicely,, worked on and crewed D’s in the 70’s,, The 200 MPH Cadillac of helis
The D model is still in use by some Canadian Mil groups and the E model Super Stallion is a favorite with some of the logging and mining support companies up there. Its a workhorse for sure.
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