Farnborough highlights

Farnborough at a glance: Following is a brief synopsis of some of the technologies and partnerships that were announced at July's Farnborough Air Show. Look for more extensive coverage in future issues.

The U.S. Marine Corps and Sikorsky Aircraft are developing a modernization and service life extension program (SLEP) that will focus on seven major improvements to be incorporated across the CH-53E Super Stallion and extend the operational life of 110 or more CH-53Es for an additional 25 years. In service with the Marines since 1981, the Sikorsky-built CH-53E was designed for heavy-cargo and equipment-lift operations, troop transport, and combat logistics support. The company claims it is the largest and most powerful helicopter in the U.S. military, and the largest built outside of Russia. The current Super Stallion has a mass of 15,170-kg empty, carries a 14,510-kg payload, and cruises at 315 km/hr. The aircraft has a crew of three and can carry 55 troops.

Tentative proposals call for induction of the first aircraft into the SLEP by fiscal year 2007 and reintroduction of the first aircraft back into the fleet by fiscal year 2011. One of the improvements would be a new propulsion system to provide greater range and power over a broader variety of ambient conditions. Possible solutions include a growth version of the GE T64-GE-416/419 series engine already on the CH-53E/MH53E; adapting the Rolls-Royce AE1107C slated for the Marines MV-22; and a derivative of the Pratt & Whitney PW150 turbo prop currently powering regional aircraft.