Sikorsky selects Goodrich health management system for U.S. Marine Corps CH-53K heavy lift helicopter

Goodrich Corporation (NYSE: GR) has received a development contract from Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation to equip the CH-53K heavy lift helicopter Sikorsky is developing for the U.S. Marine Corps, with an Integrated Vehicle Health Management System (IVHMS). Work will be performed by Goodrich's Sensors and Integrated Systems team in Vergennes, Vt.

The CH-53K helicopter is a modern version of the existing CH-53E aircraft with all-new digital avionics, and the increased range and lift capability the Marine Corp requires. The aircraft is scheduled for introduction into service in 2015. The Goodrich IVHMS for the CH-53K helicopter builds upon the successful Integrated Mechanical Diagnostic Systems that Goodrich provides for the CH-53E helicopter and the condition-based maintenance practices being enabled by this earlier generation system. The IVHMS on the newer CH-53K model system will monitor additional aircraft subsystems to provide the Marines with a complete health assessment of the aircraft.

"The CH-53K will perform the most urgent and demanding heavy-lift missions, and the Marines need to know their aircraft are ready and able to execute these missions on short notice," said Jan Mathiesen, Vice President, Goodrich Sensors and Integrated Systems. "The data this system provides to operators and maintainers translates directly into increased mission readiness rates with lower overall maintenance and operating costs. Our battle-proven experience on multiple Marine Corps and U.S. Army helicopters means CH-53K operators will receive a system that is mature, robust and a true combat multiplier."

The IVHMS will monitor the CH-53K helicopter's entire mechanical drive train from the engines to the rotor system, and hundreds of aircraft systems. The comprehensive health information provided will avoid costly, lengthy repairs or surprises that impact the aircraft's ability to execute a mission.

Goodrich is the world's leading provider of health management systems for helicopters, with applications on the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps MH-60 R/S helicopters, AH-1Z, UH-1Y and CH-53 E/K models; the U.S. Army's UH-60 A/L/M and CH-47D models; and the commercial Sikorsky S-92(R) helicopter and S- 76D(TM) helicopter platforms.