Sikorsky to integrate and test enhanced Black Hawk capabilities
Sikorsky has announced that it will integrate and test a suite of advanced new technologies for the Black Hawk helicopter under a Combat Tempered Platform Demonstration (CTPD) contract from the US Army's Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD).
According to Sikorsky, this programme will build upon and improve the Black Hawk platform's operational durability and survivability by developing and integrating a suite of advanced new technologies and establishing their benefits before transitioning them to the platform and eventual use by the nation's soldiers.
This project builds upon previous work by Sikorsky Innovations, the technology development organisation for Sikorsky Aircraft, by advancing key technologies including a zero-vibration system, adaptive flight control laws, advanced fire management, durable main rotor, full-spectrum crashworthiness, and damage tolerant airframe. The work scope of the new contract involves establishing the benefits of these technologies as a complete system through realistic ground and flight testing.
Chris Van Buiten, Vice President of Sikorsky Innovations, said: ‘As Sikorsky modernises the Black Hawk fleet and prepares for the Joint Multi-Role (JMR) helicopter competition for the future replacement of the fleet, it is imperative that we continue to develop and integrate the latest technologies into flight solutions that give our soldiers the protection they deserve.
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