STRATFORD, Connecticut On Jan 24, Helicopter maker Sikorsky powered up the engines and spun the rotor head of the first prototype CH-5...
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STRATFORD, Connecticut On Jan 24, Helicopter maker Sikorsky powered up the engines and spun the rotor head of the first prototype CH-53K heavy lift helicopter, designated the Ground Test Vehicle (GTV).
The test called 'Bare Head Light Off' was conducted without rotor blades. The 44,000-pound GTV aircraft is outfitted with sensors at more than 1,300 points that will measure and verify the ability to operate safely under its own power. The GTV will undergo ground testing for approximately two years with both Sikorsky and U.S. Marine Corps test pilots at the controls.
Once Bare Head testing is completed, Sikorsky will mount seven main rotor blades and four tail rotor blades onto the GTV. During this second test phase, Sikorsky will conduct extensive aircraft system checks leading to a formal Pre-Flight Acceptance Test required to clear the first flight aircraft for flight testing. Four additional test aircraft are being prepared for flight test, commencing in late 2014.
During the three-year flight test program, Sikorsky will continue to evaluate the GTV for long-term endurance of the engines and dynamic components, survivability, and maintenance practices. Sikorsky leads an industry team developing the CH-53K heavy lift helicopter for the U.S. Marine Corps.
The aircraft’s 88,000-pound (39,916 kg) maximum gross weight is designed to triple the external load carrying capacity of the CH-53E SUPER STALLION™ aircraft to more than 27,000 pounds over a mission radius of 110 nautical miles under “high hot” ambient conditions. The U.S. Department of Defense’s Program of Record remains at 200 CH-53K aircraft with a U.S. Marine Corps Initial Operational Capability in 2019.
US Marine Corps intends to stand up eight active duty squadrons, one training squadron, and one reserve squadron to support operational requirements.
