CH-53s to get new engines, defenses

[unhappycamper]

Refurbished engines are likely to be installed into stateside CH-53D Sea Stallions and CH-53E Super Stallions later this year.


CH-53s to get new engines, defenses
By Bryan Mitchell - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Nov 16, 2008 9:58:47 EST

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The Corps is breathing new life into its fleet of heavy-lift helicopters, adding more powerful engines and a new defensive system.

Test pilots at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., are working with the newly refurbished engines, likely to be installed into stateside CH-53D Sea Stallions and CH-53E Super Stallions later this year. It is still unclear when deployed helicopters will be worked into the upgrade rotation.

The refurbished engines will provide Marine heavy-lift squadrons with the power to haul more equipment and personnel for longer distances, said Maj. Jack Perrin, H-53 platform coordinator for Helicopter Test and Evaluation Squadron 21 at the air station. The engine upgrades also will provide pilots more power to operate in hot temperatures and fly at higher altitudes.

“It’s really going to help the community execute its mission in a war environment,” Perrin said.

The Corps hopes the revamped engines will allow the aircraft to act as a bridge until the CH-53K model comes online in 2015. The K variant will provide increased lift capacity, as well as a larger cabin.


Rest of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2008/11/marine_stallion_111608w/%2e