Germany launches the renewal of its heavy helicopters

[Kailash Kumar]

Germany launches the renewal of its heavy helicopters

28 FEBRUARY 2019

The BAAINBw officially invites prospective candidates for the Schwere Transporthubschrauber (STH) program, which is considering the replacement of the 80 CH-53GA / GS / GE operated by the Luftwaffe and whose withdrawal will start in 2025.

A German CH-53G

Expected in May, then December 2018, this phase of the RFP is now open to candidates able to demonstrate their experience in the design and production of a transport helicopter (certified for the transport of equipment and personnel) maximum take-off weight of more than 20 tonnes.

Today, only two platforms, both American, are able to meet this criterion. Sikorsky's CH-53K and Boeing's CH-47F Chinook.

The winner will obtain the delivery of 44 to 60 new platforms for an estimated budget of € 5.6bn. Apart from the production and delivery of the helicopters, the contract will include a component of MCO as well as the training of pilots and technicians during the 42 years of life of the STH program. Like its predecessor, the helicopter will be operated by the Luftwaffe 64 (HSG 64) Helicopter Squadron deployed at the Holzdorf and Laupheim airbases.

The deadline for the submission of tenders is 27 May. The lucky winner (s) authorized to participate in the competition will be announced on June 24th. The accumulated delay should not, in principle, have an impact on the calendar, which provides for the signature of a contract with the winning industrialist by 2021, with a view to deliveries to be spread out between 2023 and 2031.

http://airrecognition.com/index.php...hes-the-renewal-of-its-heavy-helicopters.html

 

[Jäger]

I would love to see the CH-47F in service. It is proven, cheaper and offers more variable uses. Boeing sided with multiple companies in Germany, hinting around about local production and the local usage of us maintaining the helicopters locally, of course the companies signed up with Boeing are small local companies, excluding Diehl, Honeywell and Rolls Royce.
on the other hand you have the CH-53K which the USMC official travelled to Berlin for talks about the aircraft during ILA Berlin Show 2018, however our official said the CH-53K is too pricey immature. like Boeing, Sikorsky also teamed up with a partner, the major company Rheinmetall with local production + giving Rheinmetall production on parts of the -53K to win the contract.
I surely hope (in my opinion) that Boeing wins the contract, I love the -47F more so then the -53K.