ITT Delivers First Composite Assembly for New U.S. Marine Corps Helicopter
November 19 2010 - 1:00PM
Business Wire
ITT Corporation (NYSE: ITT) has delivered its first major
structural subassemblies for the CH-53K heavy lift helicopter to
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.
(NYSE:UTX).
This delivery culminates nearly three years of advanced design,
development, testing and manufacturing to provide sponsons for the
CH-53K helicopter. These assemblies represent a significant
technology advancement by applying composite materials – versus
traditional metals – to military aircraft that operate in harsh
environments.
Sponsons attach to each side of a helicopter fuselage and house
important components, such as landing gear, fuel, and other
mechanical and electrical assemblies without compromising interior
passenger or cargo space. Each sponson is 25 feet long by 4 feet
wide and 5 feet high. This delivery supports the first prototype
aircraft, with future potential to support 200 aircraft during the
life of the program.
The CH-53K helicopter program is using proven and mature
technologies that will significantly expand the fleet’s capability
in comparison to its predecessor, the CH-53E helicopter, by
tripling the aircraft’s lift in high and hot environments while
reducing support and maintenance costs.
In addition, the composite sponsons are designed to be
significantly more resilient to the environmental conditions,
ballistics and in-flight stress, while allowing for increased cabin
width without a change in vehicle footprint.
To meet the demanding weight, durability and affordability
objectives of the CH-53K helicopter program, ITT is employing the
latest composite design and manufacturing technologies for these
important flight structures, including electronic model control,
laser-ply projection, five-axis computer numerically controlled
machining, automated trimming and drilling, as well as laser and
ultrasonic inspection of all subassemblies.
“We’ve brought the best of our composite technology and
experience to produce a stronger, more durable and operationally
flexible aircraft to help the Marines perform their critical
missions,” said Jim Barber, vice president for ITT’s Integrated
Structures business area. “ITT is committed to growing our
composites business so we can serve our customers’ needs.”
Production will be accomplished at ITT’s Electronic Systems
facility in Salt Lake City, Utah.
ITT Electronic Systems is a leading supplier of information and
electronic warfare (EW) technologies, systems and services that
enable mission success and survivability. Key technologies include
integrated EW systems for a variety of aircraft, reconnaissance and
surveillance systems for air and sea-based applications, force
protection and counter-IED systems, precision landing and air
traffic systems for military applications, and under sea systems
encompassing mine defense, naval command and sonar systems, and
acoustic sensors. In addition, ITT Electronic Systems produces
aircraft armament suspension and release equipment, electronic
weapons interface systems, and advanced composite structures and
subsystems.
About ITT Corporation
ITT Corporation is a high-technology engineering and
manufacturing company operating on all seven continents in three
vital markets: water and fluids management, global defense and
security, and motion and flow control. With a heritage of
innovation, ITT partners with its customers to deliver
extraordinary solutions that create more livable environments,
provide protection and safety and connect our world. Headquartered
in White Plains, N.Y., the company reported 2009 revenue of $10.9
billion. www.itt.com
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