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.