Sikorsky Aircraft has drawn a $99.9-million contract modification from the U.S. Dept. of Defense to expand the scope of a March 2023, five-year contract for supply of H-53 helicopters to the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, and foreign military sales customers. The original award had a stated value of $119.9 million, and would continue through March 2028.
The modification adds to the overall scope of the original contract and increases its ceiling “for compatibility assessments and engineering models, cost reduction analysis, software support, correction of software deficiencies and enhancements, service life extension analysis, and flight test supporting follow-on test and evaluation activities.
The H-53 is a series of heavy-lift used by the U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy, as well as allied defense forces, military and other countries, for troop and cargo transport, for search-and-rescue missions, minesweeping, and special operations. The aircraft are offered in different functional configurations – e.g., the CH-53E Super Stallion and CH-53K King Stallion, and others.
Each helicopter is powered by twin GE turboshaft engines, and armed with two door-mounted .50 caliber machine guns.
The DoD noted that Sikorsky will execute the contract at its headquarters location in Stratford, Conn., and like the original contract the modification will be completed in March 2028.
