|
Projects | Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
CH-53E
CH-53E Aircrew Procedures Trainer Customer: Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) User: U.S. Marine Corp ASI received a contract from NAWCTSD in August 2007 (under the TSC-II Lot 1 contract vehicle) for the development, fabrication, and testing of modifications to the CH-53E APT, Device 2F171 located at the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The purpose of this modification effort is to increase training system reliability and reduce total life cycle support costs and obsolescence issues. The intent is to reduce total ownership cost by leveraging commonality with other fielded United States Marine Corps (USMC) training devices and maximizing use of Commercial Items. The primary use of the CH-53E APT is to train Marine Corps pilots in those unique skills and techniques involved with cockpit familiarization, flight characteristics, operating procedures, and mission procedures. The development and modifications includes the replacement of the Visual System Image Generator and Projector System, a new Instructor Operator Station, and the replacement and integration of the Host Computer System. The replacement of the host includes the integration of the Marine Corps Aviation Common Computing Environment (MACCE) system. ASI is also providing improvements to the trainer to correct previous operational deficiencies and to provide new Visual System Databases. There are other options, including similar development and modifications to the CH-46E APT, that are expected to be awarded in 2008. The following CH-53E systems were developed and/or integrated by ASI:
ASI is also providing Program Management and Logistics Support services to support the successful completion of this program. Delivery Status and Customer Satisfaction This is a continuing program. Deliveries to date have been on time with complete satisfaction by the customer and the users. About the CH-53E
Designed for the transportation of material and supplies, it is compatible with most amphibious class ships and is carried routinely aboard LHA (Landing, Helicopter, Assault: an amphibious assault ship), LPH (Landing Platform, Helicopter: an amphibious assault ship) and now LHD (Landing, Helicopter, Dock: an amphibious assault ship) type ships. The helicopter is capable of lifting 16 tons (14.5 metric tons) at sea level, transporting the load 50 nautical miles (57.5 miles) and returning. A typical load would be a 16,000 pound (7264 kilogram) M198 howitzer or a 26,000 pound (11,804 kilogram) Light Armored Vehicle. The aircraft also can retrieve downed aircraft including another CH-53E. The 53E is equipped with a refueling probe and can be refueled in flight giving the helicopter indefinite range.
© 2008 Aero Simulation, Inc.
|
The CH-53E Super Stallion, the Marine Corps’ heavy lift helicopter, is one of the few helicopters in the world configured with 3 gas turbine engines and in-flight refueling. The CH-53E is a larger version of the CH-53 Sea Stallion, and the largest helicopter in the U.S. military inventory. It is used to transport personnel and equipment, and lift and transport heavy loads.