DRS Technologies,
PARSIPPANY, N.J.: DRS Technologies, Inc. announced today that it received a $10.8 million contract from Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., for the design, development and testing of the Internal Cargo Handling System for the CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopter for the U.S. Marine Corps.
The award funds the CH-53K System Development & Demonstration Phase, which includes engineering development and delivery of demonstration systems. Subsequent phases of production are expected to begin in 2012 and extend through the year 2022 with a potential program value of $116 million for a full fleet of 156 helicopters.
The company’s DRS Training & Control Systems unit in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, will perform the work associated with this contract. DRS’ Internal Cargo Handling System will enable the aircraft cabin of the CH-53K to transport palletized cargo. The system will be comprised of a pallet locking subsystem, retractable guide-rails, invertible roller trays, tie down devices and other system components integrated into thermoplastic composite floor panels custom designed to meet stringent weight limitations.
“This program continues the long legacy of our Fort Walton Beach, Florida operation, which has developed and produced military transport aircraft cargo handling and aerial delivery systems since 1964,” said Richard S. Danforth, president of DRS’ C3 business. “This new system will place DRS on the leading edge of high strength-to-weight ratio solutions for aircraft structural subsystems. We look forward to an outstanding collaborative business relationship with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation for this vital Marine Corps platform.”
The CH-53K helicopter is under development by Sikorsky for the U.S. Marine Corps and will serve as a replacement for the CH-53 models currently in service. The CH-53K helicopter is a dual-piloted, multi-engine, vertical take-off and landing aircraft that will provide the Marine Corps with improved heavy lift capability, reduced operating costs and state of the art interoperability.
The CH-53K helicopter will be designed to provide a safe, survivable and reliable weapon system for the U.S. Marine Corps. Capabilities of the CH-53K helicopter will include operating day or night in battlefield conditions and adverse weather worldwide in extreme climates, such as arctic, desert, mountainous, littoral and tropical, and in a wide variety of threat spectrums.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacturing and service. The company’s mission statement reflects its long commitment to safety and innovation: “We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere … every time™.” United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
DRS Technologies, headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, is a leading supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors worldwide. The company employs approximately 10,000 people.
