Rheinmetall Steps Up to Care for Germany’s CH-53G Helicopter Fleet
Rheinmetall to Maintain CH-53G Transport Helicopters for German Bundeswehr
Rheinmetall has secured a significant contract from the German Bundeswehr to conduct inspections, maintenance, and repairs on Sikorsky CH-53G transport helicopters. Commencing in March 2021, Rheinmetall will manage two specialized maintenance and repair bays for the German Air Force’s 64th Helicopter Squadron located in Diepholz, Lower Saxony. This lucrative contract, valued in the low two-digit million-euro range, spans five years with an option for a one-year extension.
Maintenance Operations of the 64th Helicopter Squadron
Within Diepholz, the 64th Helicopter Squadron focuses on extensive maintenance operations through a dedicated remote squadron. This facility boasts five Bundeswehr-owned maintenance and repair bays specifically for the CH-53G, an aircraft type that has been an integral part of the Bundeswehr since 1972.
Rheinmetall Aviation Services: A Leader in Helicopter Maintenance
As a high-tech enterprise committed to security and mobility, Rheinmetall’s proposal successfully won the tender. Its subsidiary, Rheinmetall Aviation Services GmbH (RAS), will oversee the maintenance and repairs of Bundeswehr helicopters in Diepholz. RAS will leverage organizational and regulatory support from Rheinmetall Technical Publications GmbH, an approved aeronautical firm at Bremen Airport.
Strategic Partnership with Sikorsky: A Vision for the Future
Established at the beginning of 2019, Rheinmetall Aviation Services GmbH is a key player in the Group’s strategic alliance with Sikorsky under the Heavy Transport Helicopter (STH) procurement program. This partnership is focused on maintenance, repairs, training, and documentation. Since 2009, Rheinmetall and Sikorsky have collaborated extensively on various procurement projects. With this new order, the expertise gained from their partnership is set to enhance operations for the Bundeswehr in Diepholz.
Long-Term Benefits for the Bundeswehr
The Bundeswehr stands to gain significant long-term advantages from the ongoing collaboration between Rheinmetall and Sikorsky in the STH procurement program. The knowledge and experience accumulated at Diepholz Air Base will further strengthen the capabilities of the German Air Force.
