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.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet grew in importance as a research tool, he helped design the company's Forecast Intelligence Center and currently coordinates the EMarket Alert newsletters for clients. Richard also manages social media efforts, including two new blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, covering defense systems and international issues, and Flight Plan, which focuses on commercial aviation and space systems. For over 30 years, Richard has authored the Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International) services. The two books provide detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database that tracks all the contractors involved in the programs covered in the FI library. More recently he was appointed Manager, Information Services Group (ISG), a new unit that encompasses developing outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
