Sikorsky actively pursuing German companies to support CH-53K in Germany
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, hosted leading German Aerospace companies with engineering, manufacturing and maintenance, repair, overhaul expertise to a two day event in order to discuss the new US Marine Corps (USMC) CH-53K King STALLION helicopter and the German Air Force “Schwerer Transporthubschrauber” (STH) programme. The event took place at Sikorsky’s West Palm Beach, FL/USA facility.

“It is Sikorsky’s intent to be heavily involved as the original equipment manufacturer, but to have German suppliers accomplish the majority of the work when it comes to platform sustainment,” Nathalie Previte, Vice President of Sikorsky’s Strategy and Business Development, says. “We have several suppliers with whom we are finalising exclusive relationships and who will form the foundation for the Sikorsky STH team in Germany.”

The participants were briefed on the CH-53K aircraft, the programme and met the Sikorsky leadership team. The agenda included a programme overview, an update on the STH programme, the industrialisation opportunities on the CH-53K and a tour of the factory and the helicopter.

The CH-53K King STALLION advances Sikorsky’s 50 years of manufacturing and operational success with its CH-53A, CH-53D/G and CH-53E predecessors. Built to thrive on the modern battlefield, including shipboard operations, the CH-53K aircraft is designed to be intelligent, reliable, low maintenance and survivable in the most austere and remote forward operating bases.

“With the legacy fleet of the CH-53G we have a long lasting strong relationship with the German Armed Forces [Bundeswehr], which we plan to strengthen with the CH-53K. The CH-53K will enable the Bundeswehr to conduct real heavy lift operations. Intelligent, reliable, low maintenance and survivable, the CH-53K is the future of German Heavy Lift,” Previte concluded.