AIC, Rockwell Collins Onboard

Sikorsky Aircraft representatives tell Aero-News the company made some significant additions to the team involved in the bid for the US Air Force's CSAR-X competition. Last week, the company signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Aerospace Integration Corporation (AIC), and also signed an agreement with Rockwell Collins Simulation & Training Solutions, LLC, a subsidiary of Rockwell Collins, Inc., to be the training solutions provider.

Sikorsky's CSAR-X offering is the HH-92 weapons system -- military variant of the S-92 helicopter. Company representatives say the helicopter offers the best combination of survivability, performance, interoperability, safety and cost for the vital CSAR-X mission.

Under the teaming agreement to be negotiated based on the MOU, AIC will provide system engineering associated with the special mission systems on the HH-92 weapons system. The company also would supply flight test support during the Operational Test and Evaluation phase of the CSAR-X program as well as act as a supply support interface for the US Air Force. Lastly, the HH-92 aircraft would receive mission systems modification at AIC facilities in Crestview, FL.

"We are proud to have AIC onboard our HH-92 team. AIC's expertise with regard to special operation missions will provide a greater understanding of what the customer ultimately needs on today's battlefield. Their integration and customization expertise will both be great assets as the program continues to progress," said Paul Martin, Sikorsky senior vice president of government and advanced programs.

Sikorsky says Rockwell Collins was brought on to provide integration between the avionics system and the training systems for the HH-92.

"We are proud to offer Rockwell Collins' simulation and training capabilities for the HH-92. Our goal and strategy is to create a total value and life support solution for the customer that operates, maintains and sustains the weapons system from both operational and cost perspectives," said Martin.

The Air Force launched the multibillion-dollar CSAR-X competition in May 2005, to replace its current fleet of Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters.

FMI: www.aicworld.com, www.rockwellcollins.com, www.sikorsky.com