Digital 3-D Modeling May Lead To More Rapid Aircraft Development

A state-of-the-art virtual reality center for the CH-53K heavy lift helicopter program, an innovative tool to help identify gaps in a three-dimensional digital environment prior to experimental assembly, was unveiled Monday by Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. Through this advanced design tool, the program expects to realize cost savings and greater efficiency that can minimize delays in final assembly of the aircraft.

CH-53K Artist's Rendering

"The virtual reality tool allows the team to find production and maintenance issues that typically only could be found during the initial build of the aircraft," said Dr. Michael Torok, Sikorsky vice president and chief engineer for Marine Corps programs. "With this tool, we can identify these potential problems in time to avoid them. Ultimately, this will save time and money."

Located within the engineering labs at Sikorsky's main manufacturing facility, the virtual reality center uses sophisticated software, along with 12 cameras, a head-mounted display headset, gloves, and a gripping tool. All devices are linked to three computers, which comprise the "command center" for operating the system. "This tool will enhance the designer's ability to design an aircraft that is easier to maintain. Designers will no longer have to rely on their imaginations to understand assembly and maintenance issues. They will be able to experience them long before parts are fabricated," said Mark Miller, Sikorsky vice president, research and engineering.

"The joint Sikorsky/Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) CH-53K helicopter program team is working diligently to deliver a high quality platform that will be extremely important to the Marine Corps future heavy lift mission," added Dennis Jarvi, Sikorsky vice president, Navy/Marine Corps programs. The virtual reality center is the final tool in the CH-53K digital design suite, as the team collaborates to use proven and mature technologies that will significantly expand the fleet's abilities."

Sikorsky Aircraft received a $3 billion System Development and Demonstration (SDD) contract in April 2006 to develop a replacement for the U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E heavy lift helicopter. The new aircraft program is planned to include production of more than 200 aircraft. Currently, the CH-53K helicopter is in the SDD phase with all of the major subcontracts awarded and valued at over $1.1 billion.

FMI: www.sikorsky.com