Asia has a critical part to play in the future growth of Sikorsky, with the requirements of the “two new economic engines of India and China” supplemented by a myriad of other emerging competitions, according to the US manufacturer’s senior vice- president Jeff Pino.“Asia is the market with the greatest potential for us outside the domestic US military and we are absolutely focused on this part of the world,” says Pino, who points to some important successes for Sikorsky, including a contract to supply the next South Korean presidential helicopter and Brunei Shell’s selection of the S-92 for offshore work.
“We’ve had some nice successes and there are lots of competitions ongoing,” says Pino. “The Indian navy has an RFI [request for information] out for a naval helicopter variant. Thailand is flying Hawks in both army and navy configuration. They are an important customer to us and Taiwan is also gearing up its fleet.”
Taiwan launched a long-awaited contest for the supply of nine helicopters to be used in a firefighting role, plus three large search and rescue (SAR) helicopters at the turn of the year. Once a firm budget is confirmed for Taiwan’s National Airborne Services, a follow-up request for proposals is expected. Sikorsky’s S-92 will be competing against AgustaWestland’s EH101 and Eurocopter’s EC225 for the SAR requirement, which is valued at $75 million over three to five years.
Meanwhile, Pino says Sikorsky’s development of its X2 technology suite for a new coaxial-rotor helicopter is progressing well. The fly-by-wire system for the new helicopter completed its maiden flight in a Schweizer 333 helicopter in November. “We’ve been through the preliminary design review,” Pino explains, “The design is pretty well locked down and we will fly the aircraft by the end of the year. We’re currently working with suppliers on some of the major components.
Pino says Sikorsky’s computer-aided modelling expertise has combined well with Schwiezer’s “ability to fabricate pretty much whatever we ask them to. It’s a seamless team”.
Sikorsky aims to create an aircraft capable of a 250kt (460km/h) cruise, compared with 150-170kt for conventional helicopters. The X2 technologies are scalable from light civil helicopters through to the planned Joint Heavy Lift rotorcraft.
Looking at the heavylift market, Sikorsky has received an initial system development and demonstration contract from the US Marine Corps as part of its Heavy Lift Replacement (HLR) programme.
Pino says the programme calls for 156 new aircraft to replace the Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion, with first deliveries in 2015. The aircraft will need a 13.5t external lift capability, with a 370km (200nm) mission radius and be capable of flying at 150kt.
He confirms that competitions for both the powerplant and cockpit for the aircraft are ongoing and expects them to be concluded in six to eight months.
The engine competition will include the Rolls-Royce AE1107C family, plus variants of the General Electric T64, Honeywell’s T55 and the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150. The estimated requirement is for a 6,000shp (4,500kW) powerplant.
Source: Flight Daily News