Boeing, Sikorsky Ramp Up Next- Generation Transport Helicopters

Printed headline: Old Reliable

Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan demonstrate that medium- and heavy-lift transport helicopters that perform well in hot and high conditions are vital—yet are always in short supply. So despite years spent mulling the prospect of a 20-ton-payload Joint Heavy Lift transport rotorcraft, the U.S. military is going ahead with new and significantly improved versions of the venerable Boeing CH-47 and Sikorsky CH-53 transport helicopters, whose origins date back some 50 years.

Sikorsky was awarded a $3-billion system development and demonstration contract for the U.S. Marine Corps CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter in April 2006—a contract that could result in production of 156 CH-53Ks to replace a roughly equal number of CH-53E Super Stallions now in service.

Almost entirely new, the three-engine CH-53K, which can be refueled in flight, will have virtually the same footprint as the CH-53E but carry 27,000 lb., almost double the current payload, over 110 naut. mi. in hot and high conditions. Its gross weight will increase to 84,700 lb. from 73,000 lb. for the CH-53E.Features of the Boeing CH-47F Chinook transport include a new fuselage, digital avionics and better flight-control system.