Joanna Crews
A unit of United Technologies Corp. will supply technologies to help Sikorsky deliver a helicopter for a Defense Department program.
UTC Aerospace Systems said Wednesday its power transmission systems business will provide products for Sikorsky’s CH-53K King Stallion.
The power transmission system for the helicopter’s tail rotor includes bearing assemblies, couplings, drive shafts and a disconnect mechanism. The drive shaft is geared to withstand ballistic damage and will feature titanium and aluminum to allow a reduction in corrosion and weight.
UTC intends to provide couplings designed to last the King Stallion’s lifetime while the disconnect mechanism is meant for the detachment of the drive shaft to allow the tail and main rotors to be folded to facilitate the storage of the helicopter.
The DoD ordered 200 CH-53Ks and expects initial operational capability by 2019 and platform deployment from 2023 through 2024.
The helicopter will be used to support the missions of the U.S. Marine Corps, which include combat search and rescue, casualty evacuation, troop transport, support for special operations forces and humanitarian aid missions.
Sikorsky recently recognized the Rome, N.Y. facility of UTC Aerospace Systems as CH-35K Supplier of the Year. The New York facility produces the power transmission system for the Sikorsky helicopter.
