Sikorsky and Boeing have formally responded to the German Air Force “Schwerer Transporthubschrauber” (STH) Program call for competition. The STH program, which will replace 45 to 60 helicopters, is valued at about EUR4 billion ($4.72 billion). A contract award could be made in 2020, with deliveries to follow in 2023.
Sikorsky is offering the CH-53K King Stallion in response to the official Request for Proposals which is expected this summer. Sikorsky and its German industry partners include Rheinmetall, MTU, ZF Luftfahrttechnik GmbH, Autoflug, HYDRO Systems KG, Collins Aerospace, Vincorion, Hensoldt, Liebherr, and Rohde & Schwarz.
The company is facing a competing bid from Boeing with the CH-47F Chinook. Boeing’s partners include AERO-Bildung GmbH, Aircraft Philipp, CAE Elektronik GmbH, COTESA, Diehl Defence, Honeywell, Liebherr-Aerospace, Reiser Simulation and Training GmbH, Collins Aerospace, and Rolls-Royce.
The STH effort was first announced in December 2017. The programs seeks to replace CH-53G models currently in service.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began his career at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet became central to defense research, he helped design the company’s Forecast Intelligence Center and now coordinates the FI Market Recap newsletters for clients. He also manages two blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, which covers defense systems and international security issues, and Flight Plan, focused on commercial aviation and space systems.
For more than 30 years, Richard has authored Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International), providing detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database tracking all companies involved in programs covered by the FI library. Richard currently serves as Manager of the Information Services Group (ISG), which develops outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
