Soaring Together: Sikorsky and Rheinmetall Enhance Collaboration on the CH-53K Heavy-Lift Helicopter
Sikorsky, alongside the members of the German CH-53K industrial consortium, has reaffirmed its dedication to collaboration through a new partnership agreement. Christian Albrecht, International Business Development Manager at Sikorsky, expressed satisfaction with this latest advancement: “We have engaged in intensive discussions and coordination to refine a strategy for optimal operation and maintenance of the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter. The German industry stands out as the ideal partner, ensuring maximum autonomy from foreign entities. We are particularly excited about welcoming another exclusive collaborator,” stated Albrecht.
The American helicopter manufacturer aims to secure the production and operational responsibilities for the Sikorsky CH-53K (King Stallion) as the Bundeswehr’s next heavy-lift helicopter. To achieve this goal, Sikorsky established a consortium of prominent German technology firms early on, including Rheinmetall, MTU Aero Engines, Autoflug, Hydro Systems, and now Reiser Simulation and Training. The Bavarian medium-sized enterprise is enhancing the German CH-53K industrial consortium as a subcontractor to Rheinmetall.
Mike Schmidt, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Aviation Services GmbH, expressed enthusiasm regarding the bolstering of the German CH-53K consortium: “Reiser Simulation and Training GmbH is a recognized expert within the German aviation sector. Rheinmetall and Reiser will merge their technological knowledge in training and simulation, delivering a top-tier solution that complies with all Bundeswehr standards.” Schmidt highlighted the successful collaboration between Rheinmetall and Reiser on the NH90 Sea Lion transport helicopter as a precedent.
After canceling the STH (“Schwerer Transporthubschrauber”, heavy-lift helicopter) tender last year, the German Ministry of Defense is currently inviting proposals from former competitors in the US government through a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process. This program generally involves acquiring the fundamental variant of an aircraft. In the case of the CH-53K, the basic model already meets all essential mission specifications of the Bundeswehr. A key factor contributing to this success is the CH-53K’s built-in air-to-air refueling capability, which significantly extends the aircraft’s operational range.
CH-53K: Significant Industrial Participation in Germany
The substantial involvement of numerous German firms emphasizes the project’s significance for Germany as an industrial hub. Should the Bundeswehr proceed with the procurement of the transport helicopter, a major portion of the value added of the CH-53K production would occur in Germany. This would result in new long-term positions in the high-tech arena and an important transfer of expertise for the German industry.
Reiser plans to leverage its expertise in training and simulation within the project—particularly focusing on simulation offerings and technical solutions for training maintenance staff. The company has established itself as a reliable partner for Bundeswehr training systems, as demonstrated in the NH90 initiatives for both the army and navy, as well as for the Eurofighter of the German Air Force. Reiser’s capabilities ideally complement Rheinmetall’s proficiencies in simulation for the STH effort.
With significant advancements made in the project, Dr. Roman Sperl, Managing Director of Reiser Simulation and Training GmbH, remarked that now is the perfect moment to join this promising and formidable industrial alliance. “We are thrilled to now be a part of the CH-53K team. Our collaboration with Rheinmetall enables us to ensure the highest level of operational readiness for the CH-53K.” Sperl expressed confidence in the Sikorsky helicopter’s capabilities: “This helicopter establishes an entirely new technological benchmark. We believe the Bundeswehr would be wise to select the most innovative solution and the finest German industrial team.”
The CH-53K (“King Stallion”) stands out as the most cutting-edge, intelligent, and robust heavy-lift helicopter currently available. Series production of the CH-53K in the US is on track, with over 30 aircraft at various production stages. The debut of the first CH-53K is anticipated for 2023/24. The CH-53K recently completed a comprehensive two-year testing regimen, which included extensive fly-by-wire tests, maritime trials, and air-to-air refueling, along with various exercises under operational conditions. The US program is now advancing toward a training phase for aircrews and technicians engaged in operational testing in the spring. The CH-53K fleet has already logged thousands of flight hours.
