CH-53K

AEC and Sikorsky CH-53K Helicopter

A Legacy of Innovation and Operational Excellence

Few collaborations shine as brightly as that between Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) and Sikorsky. This partnership not only underscores AEC's operational excellence but also defines the trajectory of next-generation heavy-lift helicopter technology. As we delve into the remarkable journey of AEC and the Sikorsky CH-53K helicopter, we witness a fusion of innovation and craftsmanship that is propelling aviation to new heights.

In 2010, when Albany Engineered Composites, then under the ITT Corporation, delivered major structural subassemblies for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter to Sikorsky Aircraft. This marked the culmination of rigorous design, development, testing, and manufacturing efforts spanning three years. AEC's introduction of composite materials instead of traditional metals represented a leap forward in aerospace engineering, breathing new life into military aircraft that navigate the harshest of environments.

The centerpiece of AEC's contribution to the CH-53K helicopter is the sponsons – vital components that attach to each side of the helicopter fuselage. These composite sponsons house critical elements such as landing gear, fuel systems, and mechanical assemblies. By utilizing AEC's expertise in composite materials, these sponsons achieve a remarkable balance: enhanced resilience to environmental conditions, ballistics, and in-flight stress, while simultaneously expanding cabin width without altering the vehicle's footprint.

Operational Excellence and the CH-53K Helicopter Program

AEC's journey with the CH-53K program doesn't stop at sponsons. The partnership evolved with AEC fabricating and assembling the composite sponsons, the tail rotor pylon, and the horizontal stabilizer of the CH-53K heavy lift helicopter. This strategic alignment has resulted in a helicopter system that defies conventional limits, carrying a payload of 27,000 pounds over a mission radius of 110 nautical miles under "high hot" ambient conditions. Such capabilities more than triple the external load carrying capacity of its predecessor, the CH-53E SUPER STALLION™ helicopter.

As a result of AEC industry leading excellence in quality and delivery, Sikorsky honored top suppliersto  Albany Engineering Composites, Salt Lake City, UT, for meeting customer requirements on sponsons and tail rotor pylons for CH-53K.

"We are tremendously excited and honored to be adding this significant additional content to our current production of Sponsons and Tail Rotor Pylon assemblies for the world’s preeminent next generation heavy lift helicopter.This agreement signifies the successful and growing relationship between Sikorsky and Albany." — Greg Harwell, AEC President

Winning the Aft Transition Assembly for the CH-53K Heavy-Lift Cargo Helicopter

AEC secured a competitive bid and emerged victorious in winning the complete aft transition assembly for the CH-53K heavy-lift cargo helicopter in 2022. This great achievement comes under a ten-year long term agreement, encompassing Lots 7 through 14.

Our commitment to innovation, precision, and operational excellence has paved the way for this significant accomplishment. The aft transition assembly represents a pivotal component in the CH-53K helicopter, embodying a perfect synergy of technology and craftsmanship. This achievement not only underscores AEC's dedication to pushing the boundaries of aerospace engineering but also solidifies our partnership with Sikorsky Aircraft.

As we look toward the future, this achievement serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to aviation's evolution. The CH-53K heavy-lift cargo helicopter represents the culmination of decades of engineering expertise, and AEC is honored to play a crucial role in its journey.