Sikorsky Completes Initial Tests of 1st Rotor Blades for CH-53K Helicopter

Nov 1, 2013 ASDNews Source : Sikorsky Aircraft, A United Technologies Company

Sikorsky Aircraft has successfully completed the initial phase of testing for the first-ever main and tail rotor blades manufactured for the U.S. Marine Corps' CH-53K heavy lift helicopter program. Designed specially to help meet the Marine Corps requirement to lift the aircraft's maximum gross weight of 88,000 pounds, the all-composite blades are the largest and most technologically advanced ever produced by Sikorsky, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

"These new blades are an important feature of the CH-53K helicopter's ability to lift almost three times the payload compared to the CH-53E Super Stallion™ aircraft it will replace later this decade," said Mike Torok Sikorsky's CH-53K Program Vice President. "Advanced geometric shaping, high strength composite materials and a flaw tolerant design all come into play to provide unmatched performance, reliability, and survivability."

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