WICHITA, Kan., June 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Spirit
AeroSystems [NYSE: SPR] today announced it has started assembly of
the fifth System Demonstration Test Article (SDTA) CH-53K
King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter
for the U.S. Marine Corps at Spirit's Wichita, Kan., facility. Major assembly on
SDTA five is scheduled to begin in September. Spirit is responsible
for the assembly of the entire cockpit and cabin and delivering the
complete fuselage to Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company.
"We are excited to start on the fifth SDTA CH-53K King Stallion and support a significant upgrade
for the warfighter," said Tony
Kondrotis, Spirit AeroSystems vice president of Defense
programs. "The lightweight composite structures we are providing to
Sikorsky will give the Marine Corps a much-needed additional
capability. We look forward to continuing to deliver on this
program for many years to come."
Spirit has received or manufactured nearly 1,500 parts to
support major assembly of the next helicopter. Spirit is
responsible for the composite cockpit and cabin structure with a
separately attached tail section. The lightweight structures
support the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter's capability of conducting
an unrefueled mission carrying 27,000 pounds over 110 nautical
miles in high/hot conditions, which is triple the load-carrying
capacity of the current CH-53E Super Stallion.
Spirit is one of the world's leaders in designing and building
complex composite structures and has already delivered 11 units.
"The CH-53K program demonstrates Spirit's capabilities as a
supplier of major structures to the defense industry," said Spirit
Senior Vice President of Boeing & Defense Programs Duane Hawkins. "We look forward to the day when
this capability is in the hands of the warfighter and they are
equipped to carry more cargo in more demanding operational
environments and then return home safely."
Earlier this year, Sikorsky announced the program successfully
achieved the Milestone C decision that enables low-rate initial
production. The U.S. Department of Defense's Program of Record
remains at 200 CH-53K aircraft. The Marine Corps intends to stand
up eight active duty squadrons, one training squadron and one
reserve squadron to support operational requirements.
Spirit employs about 15,000 people worldwide designing and
building complex aerostructures for the world's most recognizable
airplanes. The company has a proven track record of developing
commercial best practices and adapting them for use on defense
programs.
On the web: www.spiritaero.com
On Twitter: @SpiritAero
About Spirit AeroSystems
Spirit AeroSystems
designs and builds aerostructures for both commercial and defense
customers. With headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, Spirit operates sites in the
U.S., U.K., France and Malaysia. The company's
core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing
components for the world's premier aircraft. Spirit
AeroSystems focuses on affordable, innovative composite
and aluminum manufacturing solutions to support customers around
the globe. More information is available
at www.spiritaero.com.
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SOURCE Spirit AeroSystems