Strong German Industrial Team to Support Heavy-Lift Helicopter Bid

On 13 January Sikorsky and Rheinmetall (representing the German industry team), submitted a bid for production and operation of the Sikorsky CH-53K KING STALLION for the Bundeswehr’s new heavy-lift transport helicopter programme, designated Schwerer Transporthubschrauber (STH).

“Our entire team is pleased to offer the CH-53K, the most efficient, capable and intelligent helicopter that will deliver the best long-term value to the Bundeswehr through the 21st century,” observed Beth Parcella, Sikorsky International Business Development Director.

Sikorsky and Rheinmetall have formed an STH project team of more than 10 German companies, including MTU Aero Engines, Autoflug GmbH and Hydro Systems KG. The team will benefit from a significant workshare and a high degree of technological cooperation, offering Germany an excellent degree of reliability in maintaining and using the platform. Parcella stressed that it was important “to build a strong German industrial team early on and to capitalize on the know-how of the German teammates for the STH project.” This will ensure the quality of the offer and subsequently the high availability of the CH-53K in the German Air Force, she said.

Mike Schmidt, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Aviation Services, added that “German companies will play a significant role in the success of the CH-53K programme. For the industry, this means the creation of many new, long-term jobs for highly qualified employees and an important transfer of know-how.” In addition to the core team, other companies in the German defence industry will ultimately benefit from the procurement project. “Sikorsky and Rheinmetall prepared the application together over a long period of time – this has strengthened the bonds within our team. We have developed into a highly effective unit,” he added.

Looking at lifecycle costs, mission requirements and capability, the CH-53K will deliver better long-term value than its competitor. Its avionics and digitized flight control systems are designed to accommodate future software upgrades and its internal payload capability may be increased substantially in the future with relatively simple modifications. An integrated sensor system enables the aircraft to predict and prevent problems at an early stage, thus drastically reducing the maintenance effort, which is a key element for high availability rates for the fleet.

Additionally, the CH-53K features air-to-air refuelling fully interoperable with Lockheed Martin‘s KC-130J tanker aircraft, which the Bundeswehr is planning to operate and which is already being used by France. Due to the design of the cargo bay, the CH-53K easily accommodates the same air transport pallets, enabling fast cargo handling between it and fixed-wing transport aircraft such as the C130-J and the A400M. This means that the helicopter can be specifically used in areas these aircraft cannot access.

Due to its versatility, the CH-53K can be used for tactical transport of personnel and materiel, as well as for disaster relief, humanitarian missions, medical evacuation or combat search and rescue (CSAR) operations. For example, no other heavy-lift helicopter in the world can transport more water to fight fires and simultaneously carry materiel and personnel. The combination of high airspeed, a large water capacity and long mission endurance in operational areas allows the CH-53K to transport up to four times more water to fight fires.

The CH-53K can move personnel and equipment more quickly, safely and effectively than any other helicopter — meaning operators will not need as many aircraft to execute a mission. It will be safer and easier to operate, which will protect pilots, crew and cargo, also providing value. The aircraft features fly-by-wire flight controls, reducing aircrew workload and allowing pilots to anticipate limits while keeping their eyes outside. This is a lifesaving capability in degraded conditions and allows precise control inputs when delivering an external load.

If the bid is successful, Sikorsky and Rheinmetall intend to set up a logistics hub and an STH fleet support centre at Leipzig/Halle Airport, as reported by MON on 31 October. The companies are in advanced talks with representatives of the state government, local companies and the airport operator.