Sikorsky has agreed to supply spare parts and associated engineering services for the Israeli Air Force (IAF) CH-53D heavy-lift helicopters.
An agreement was signed between the company and Israel's Ministry of Defense.
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The company will manage and source its supply chain for CH-53D parts that are either obsolete or in diminishing supply under the seven-year programme.
Commenting on the agreement, Sikorsky Global Military Systems and Services vice-president Bill Gostic said: "This programme will ensure that the IAF can overcome a growing shortage of hard-to-acquire components for its CH-53D fleet to help improve mission readiness well into the next decade, and thereby extend operational life beyond the half century mark.
"Sikorsky will work across its supply chain to manufacture dozens of critical and low demand components that we or our suppliers have stopped making, with the added guarantees of supply quantity, consistency of quality, and price stability."
The company will produce more than 80 distinct parts, many of which are used in the dynamic sections of the aircraft, such as the gearbox and transmission, until the mid-2020s.
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By GlobalDataTwin-engine CH-53D heavy-lift helicopters entered service with Israel in 1969 and early 1970s.
The helicopters, which are designated 'Yas'ur' by the IAF, have carried troops and heavy equipment into battle zones, served in a casualty evacuation role, and participated in electronic warfare missions.
The IAF remains the only D model operator in the world.
Image: CH-53 Sea Stallion 'Yas'ur' heavy transport helicopter of the Israeli Air Force. Photo: courtesy of Zachi Evenor.
