Sikorsky, Rheinmetall lay out support hub plans
Sikorsky and Rheinmetall have announced plans to set up a logistics and fleet management center at Leipzig/ Halle Airport if the Bundeswehr selects the CH-53K as its next heavy-lift transport helicopter.
The CH-53K is being offered for Germany’s Schwerer Transporthubschrauber (STH) heavy lift helicopter programme. Sikorsky and Rheinmetall have assembled a team of German technology companies to support its bid, including MTU Aero Engines, ZF Luftfahrttechnik, Autoflug, HYDRO Systems, Collins Aerospace, Vincorion, Hensoldt and Rohde & Schwarz.
Rheinmetall and Sikorsky are working with the airport operator in Leipzig to establish the center, which is necessary for the operation of the helicopter fleet. In addition to using existing hangars and storage areas at Leipzig/Halle Airport, the team will establish a fleet management center where technical helicopter data can be evaluated.
Christian Albrecht, business development manager at Sikorsky in Berlin, said: ‘We have built up a strong industrial team in Germany that will ensure the availability of the CH-53K fleet for the German Air Force. With our plans for a hub at Leipzig/Halle Airport, we are laying the foundation to provide the Bundeswehr with a helicopter that will be reliable for several decades to come.’
The Bundeswehr is expected to award a contract for its new heavy-lift helicopter in 2021.
More from Defence Helicopter
-
Royal Navy helicopter crews transfer control of UAS in European first
Using technology supplied by QinetiQ, two Royal Navy helicopter crews successfully exchanged control of a UAS while in flight.
-
Leonardo wins Canadian helicopter upgrade programme
The upgrade contract will ensure that the Candian helicopters are compliant with future technological requirements.
-
Guatemala receives Bell Subaru helicopters
The latest version of the Bell 412 helicopter has improved performance and weight capacity and will support Guatemala in various missions.
-
Algeria expresses interest in AW249 while AW139 deal remains in limbo
Leonardo and Algeria hope to seal the AW139 deal in 2023 while Italy and the North African country further strengthen defence ties.
-
Nigeria to receive new attack helicopters
The Nigerian Air Force is to receive more than 50 attack air assets to strengthen its ability to fight insecurity within its borders.
-
Royal Navy upgrades Merlin helicopters
The Royal Navy's amphibious helicopters have received an improved defensive aid suit and Merlin pilots can now train in a synthetic training environment.