Sikorsky CH-53K Super Stallion

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CH-53K Super Stallion
Concept of the CH-53K
Role Heavy-lift cargo helicopter
National origin United States
Manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft
Introduction planned for 2018[1]
Status In development
Primary user United States Marine Corps
Unit cost US$128 million[2]
Developed from CH-53E Super Stallion

The Sikorsky CH-53K Super Stallion is a large, heavy-lift cargo helicopter currently being developed by Sikorsky Aircraft for the United States Marine Corps. The design features three 7,500 shp (5,590 kW) engines, new composite rotor blades, and a wider cabin than previous CH-53 variants. It will be the largest and heaviest helicopter in the U.S. military.

Contents

[edit] Development

[edit] H-53 background

The CH-53 was the product of the US Marine Corps' "Heavy Helicopter Experimental" (HH(X)) competition begun in 1962. Sikorsky's S-65 was selected over Boeing Vertol's modified CH-47 Chinook version. The prototype YCH-53A first flew on October 14, 1964.[3] The helicopter was designated "CH-53A Sea Stallion" and delivery of production helicopters began in 1966.[4] The CH-53A is equipped with T64-GE-6 shaft turbine and has a max gross weight of 46,000 lb (20,865 kg).

Variants of the original CH-53A Sea Stallion include the RH-53A/D, HH-53B/C, CH-53D, CH-53G, and MH-53H/J/M. The RH-53A and RH-53D were used by the United States Navy for mine sweeping. The CH-53D included a more powerful version of the General Electric T64 engine, used in all H-53 variants, and external fuel tanks.[3] The US Air Force's HH-53B/C "Super Jolly Green Giant" were for special operations and combat rescue. The Air Force's MH-53H/J/M Pave Low helicopters were the last of the twin engined H-53s and were equipped with extensive avionics upgrades for all weather operation.[3]

In October 1967, the US Marine Corps issued a requirement for a helicopter with a lifting capacity 1.8 times that of the CH-53D and would fit on amphibious assault ships. Before this Sikorsky had been working on an enhancement to the CH-53D, under the company designation "S-80", featuring a third turboshaft engine and a more powerful rotor system. Sikorsky proposed the S-80 design to the Marines in 1968. The Marines considered this a good, quick solution, and funded development of a testbed helicopter.[5] Changes on the CH-53E also included a stronger transmission and a fuselage stretched 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m). The main rotor blades were changed to a titanium-fiberglass composite.[5] A new automatic flight control system was added. The tail configuration was also changed to a larger vertical tail with the tail rotor tilted slightly to provide some lift in hover.[6]

In 1974, the initial YCH-53E first flew.[6] Following successful testing the initial production contract was awarded in 1978, and service introduction followed in February 1981.[5] The US Navy acquired the CH-53E in small numbers for shipboard resupply. The Marines and Navy acquired a total of 177.[5] For the airborne mine countermeasures role, the Navy later ordered a CH-53E version designated "MH-53E Sea Dragon" with enlarged sponsons and fuel tanks for greater fuel storage.[5] The MH-53E began to be used by the Navy in 1986.[6] The Navy obtained 46 Sea Dragons.[5]

[edit] CH-53K

The US Marine Corps had been planning to upgrade most of their CH-53Es to keep them in service, but this plan stalled. Sikorsky then proposed a new version, originally the "CH-53X", and in April 2006, the USMC signed a contract for 156 aircraft as the "CH-53K".[7][8][9] The Marines were planning to start retiring CH-53Es in 2009 and needed new helicopters very quickly. Flight testing of the CH-53K is expected to begin in 2011.[10]

The CH-53K is a general redesign of the CH-53E. The main improvements are new engines and cockpit layout. The CH-53K will have over twice the lift capacity and radius of action of the CH-53E, and a wider cargo hold to allow it to carry a Humvee internally. However, the CH-53K will feature new stubby composite sponsons to cut overall width, giving the helicopter a narrower footprint for shipboard operations.[10] It will also be equipped with a new composite rotor blade system, with technology similar to that currently found on the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The CH-53K will use the General Electric GE38-1B engine.[11] This engine beat out the Pratt and Whitney Canada PW150 and a derivative of the Rolls-Royce AE 1107C-Liberty used on the V-22 Osprey.[12]

Sikorsky has announced its major subcontractors: Aurora Flight Sciences (main rotor pylon),[13] ITT Integrated Structures (tail rotor pylon and sponsons),[13] GKN Aerospace (aft transition),[13] Onboard Systems International (external cargo hook system),[14] Rockwell Collins (avionics management system),[15] Sanmina-SCI Corporation (Intercommunications System), and Spirit AeroSystems (cockpit and cabin).[13]

In August 2007, the USMC increased its order of CH-53Ks from 156 to 227.[16] In 2007, first flight was planned for November 2011 with initial operating capability (IOC) by 2015.[17] When the CH-53K enters service, it will serve as the USMC's heavy lift helicopter with the MV-22 (medium lift) and UH-1Y (light lift).[18] RAND released a report in 2007 on seabasing that suggested a higher ratio of CH-53Ks to MV-22s would reduce deployment times from naval ships.[19][20]

In 2008, design work was well underway. Progress was being made in weight reduction efforts to meet operational requirements. Increases in engine performance and rotor blade improvements are options to help meet requirements if needed. The rotor mast tilt angle was decreased and components shifted to ensure the center of gravity does not shift too far rearward as fuel is burned.[21]

On 22 January 2010, Sikorsky Aircraft opened a $20 million Precision Components Technology Center in Stratford, Connecticut which will focus on production of the CH-53K. This facility will produce the rotating and stationary swashplates, main and tail rotor hubs, and main rotor sleeves among other parts.[22] On 3 August 2010, the CH-53K passed Critical Design Review (CDR), and the program is ready for test production.[23][24] However, the IOC fielding date was deferred to 2018.[25]

[edit] Design

The CH-53K is a general redesign with new engines and cockpit layout.[10] The CH-53K will use General Electric GE38-1B engines rated at 7,500 shp (5,600 kW) each[26] and will be able to fly 20 knots (23 mph, 37 km/h) faster than its CH-53E predecessor.[27]

It will feature a new digital glass cockpit with fly-by-wire controls, a new elastomeric hub system, and composite rotor blades to improve "hot and high" performance.[10][28] The CH-53K will also include an improved external cargo handling system, survivability enhancements, and improvements to extend service life.[10] The cabin will be 30 ft (9.1 m) long by 9 ft (2.7 m) wide by 6.5 ft (2.0 m) tall.[29] Its cabin will be 1 foot (25 cm) wider and 15% larger, but will have new shorter composite sponsons.[10][28]

The CH-53K is to surpass the capability of the CH-53E by carrying nearly double the external payload of 27,000 lb (12,200 kg) over the same radius of 110 nmi (204 km).[27] The CH-53K's payload reaches a maximum of 35,000 lb (15,900 kg).[27] The CH-53K's maximum gross weight will be 84,700 lb (38,400 kg), which is increased over the CH-53E's 73,500 lb (33,300 kg). The CH-53K will keep approximately the same footprint as the CH-53E.[13]

[edit] Specifications (CH-53K)

* = data for K model. All others for E model.

Data from CH-53K brochure,[27] CH-53K mission brief,[30] CH-53K attributes,[29] GE38-1B data[26]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 5: 2 pilots, 1 crew chief/right gunner, 1 left gunner, 1 tail gunner (combat crew)
  • Capacity: 37 troops (55 with centerline seats installed)
  • Payload: * 35,000 lb (15,900 kg)
  • Length: 99 ft 1/2 in (30.2 m)
  • Rotor diameter: 79 ft (24 m)
  • Height: 27 ft 9 in (8.46 m)
  • Disc area: 4,900 ft² (460 m²)
  • Empty weight: 33,226 lb (15,071 kg)
  • Loaded weight: 74,000 lb (33,600 kg)
  • Max. takeoff weight: * 84,700 lb (38,400 kg)
  • Powerplant: 3 × *General Electric GE38-1B turboshaft, * 7,500 shp (5,600 kW) each
  • Rotor systems: 7 blades on main rotor, 4 blades on tail rotor

Performance

Armament

[edit] See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

Related lists

[edit] References

  1. ^ What’s Strangling the CH-53K?
  2. ^ http://www.deagel.com/Tactical-Support-Helicopters/CH-53K_a000780004.aspx
  3. ^ a b c Sikorsky Giant Helicopters: S-64, S-65, & S-80. Vectorsite.net, 1 May 2006.
  4. ^ Frawley, Gerard: The International Directory of Military Aircraft, p. 148. Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2002. ISBN 1-875671-55-2.
  5. ^ a b c d e f S-80 Origins / US Marine & Navy Service / Japanese Service. Vectorsite.net, 1 May 2006.
  6. ^ a b c CH-53A/D/E Sea Stallion and MH-53E Sea Dragon. US Navy, 15 November 2000.
  7. ^ "Sikorsky Awarded $3.0B Development Contract For Marine Corps CH-53K Heavy-Lift Helicopter". Sikorsky Aircraft, 5 April 2006.
  8. ^ "Sikorsky Aircraft Marks Start of CH-53K Development and Demonstration Phase". Sikorsky Aircraft, 17 April 2006.
  9. ^ "New Heavy Lift Helicopter Starts Development". U.S. Marine Corps, 9 January 2006.
  10. ^ a b c d e f S-80 Upgrades / CH-53K. Vectorsite.net, 1 March 2008.
  11. ^ "Sikorsky Aircraft Selects CH-53K Main Engines". Sikorsky Aircraft, 22 December 2006.
  12. ^ "CH-53K: The U.S. Marines' HLR Helicopter Program (updated)". Defense Industry Daily. Watershed Publishing LLC. December 28, 2006. http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2006/12/ch53k-the-us-marines-hlr-helicopter-program-updated/index.php#HLR. Retrieved 3 January 2007. 
  13. ^ a b c d e "Sikorsky Selects CH-53K Fuselage Supplier Team". Sikorsky Aircraft, 9 May 2007.
  14. ^ "Onboard Systems awarded Sikorsky CH-53K cargo hook program"[dead link]. "Rotorhub.com", March 4, 2008.
  15. ^ "Sikorsky Aircraft Selects Rockwell Collins to Provide CH-53K Avionics Management System". Sikorsky Aircraft, 29 June 2006.
  16. ^ "Marines Up Order for New Heavy Lifter". "Rotor & Wing", 1 August 2007.
  17. ^ "US Marines in desperate need of new CH-53K". Flight Daily News, 21 June 2007.
  18. ^ Fein, Geoff. "Marine Corps Helicopter Programs Stabilizing, Official Says". Defense Daily, 28 May 2008. (Online subscription article).
  19. ^ "Warfighting and Logistic Support of Joint Forces from the Joint Sea Base". RAND, 2007.
  20. ^ Bruno, Michael. "Seabasing Study Promotes CH-53K, JHSV Over MV-22". Aviation Week, 16 October 2007.
  21. ^ Fein, Geoff. "Navy, Sikorsky Overcoming Challenges To CH-53K Design". Defense Daily, 15 May 2008. (Online subscription article).
  22. ^ "Sikorsky opens $20M production center". hartfordbusiness.com. http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/news11708.html. Retrieved 22 January 2010. 
  23. ^ "CH-53K helicopter program achieves successful Critical Design review". Rotorhub, 3 August 2010. Retrieved: 4 August 2010.
  24. ^ "CH-53K Helicopter Program Achieves Successful Critical Design Review". Sikorsky Aircraft, 3 August 2010. Retrieved: 16 August 2010.
  25. ^ "CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopter Program Conducts Successful Auxiliary Power Unit 'Light-Off'". Sikorsky Aircraft, 25 August 2010.
  26. ^ a b General Electric Model GE38 page. GE Aviation.
  27. ^ a b c d CH-53K brochure. Sikorsky.
  28. ^ a b "Prototype Assembly Looms As First Production Parts Arrive for CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopter". Sikorsky Aircraft, 6 August 2009.
  29. ^ a b CH-53K Helicopter (click on Attributes tab). Sikorsky.
  30. ^ CH-53K mission brief. Sikorsky.

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