Sikorsky CH-53G. Image: Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company. – Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company.
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.
Boeing CH-47F Chinook. Image: Boeing – The Boeing Company
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.
