Mon, Aug 29, 2005
The Navy has awarded
Sikorsky Aircraft a $43 million contract to continue risk reduction
work in support of the US Marine Corps Heavy Lift Replacement (HLR)
program.
This contract will fund engineering trade studies, configuration
definition, and related program planning activities. It is a
follow-on to a previous $34 million contract awarded to Sikorsky in
2004 for the initial round of HLR risk reduction work.
The HLR program calls for development and procurement of 156
new-build helicopters derived from the CH-53E Super Stallion. First
deliveries are planned for 2014. The exact development schedule and
procurement quantities are determined by yearly budget
authorizations and specific contract awards.
In a related decision, the Navy also released an Acquisition
Decision Memorandum (ADM) authorizing the HLR program to work
toward Milestone B approval in Fiscal Year 2006. If granted by the
Pentagon's Defense Acquisition Board, Milestone B approval will
authorize the HLR program to move into the System Development and
Demonstration (SDD) phase, the next step required under Department
of Defense procurement procedures.
Between 1980 and 1999 Sikorsky delivered approximately 150
CH-53E helicopters to the Marine Corps. The new HLR will feature
upgraded, engines, improved rotor blades, new avionics, new
rotorhead, improved survivability, and longer service life. A 2003
Marine Corps analysis of alternatives determined that Sikorsky is
the only known qualified source capable of delivering the HLR
helicopter by 2014.
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