CH-53X Super Stallion Remanufacture

The Super Stallion continues to undergo improvements that increase operational readiness and safety. Modifications, such as a night vision system, heads up display, global positioning system, UHF/VHF jam-resistant radios, crashworthy seats, and number two engine fire detectors, enhance the aircraft's survivability and capability. During 1998, the Fleet received three new production CH-53Es. In June 1998, engineers successfully completed a critical design review for an H-53 and H-60 Integrated Mechanical Diagnostics (IMD) Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) that will integrate, test, and procure a commercial/military "dual use" mechanical diagnostic system.

The Marine Corps announced in late 2000 a plan to remanufacture the CH-53E heavy lift helicopters. A contract award was expected in FY04, with full-rate production commencing in FY11. The upgrades to the helicopters will extend their operational life to 2025. The CH-53X program would upgrade 111 of the Corps’ 165 CH-53Es to "like new" condition at a cost of about $21 million apiece, about one-fifth the cost of a new replacement helicopter. The CH-53X would reduce operational costs by 25%, or roughly $30 million per year. The new engines will be Rolls-Royce AE1107C. Upgrades include an all-composite rotor blade based on the Sikorsky S-92 blade, an elastomeric rotor head also modeled after the S-92, an improved cargo hook system, and a common glass cockpit identical to either the MV-22 or the UH-1Y cockpit. Load capability will be increased to 12,700 kg. The CH-53X would have a payload three times that of the CH-53E over a 200 nautical mile radius.

CH 53X

George:

So how much does a 12,700 kg. load weigh?

FYI

12,700 kg = 28,000 lbs ( 14 tons)