Onboard Systems International of Vancouver, manufacturer of cargo-related equipment for helicopters, is one of several subcontractors contributing to a Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. contract with the U.S. Marine Corps to build 12 new CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopters and integrated avionics systems.
Officials of the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., are asking Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, to build the helicopters, including logistics and support equipment, in a $1.13 billion contract, according to a Military & Aerospace Electronics story.
“Onboard Systems was selected by Sikorskyto develop the external cargo system for the CH-53K aircraft because of our emphasis on safety and innovation with other military aircraft cargo systems, such as the V-22 Osprey and the AW-101,” Jason Lemmon, Onboard Systems International president and general manager said in a statement to The Columbian. “The CH-53K’s external cargo hook system consists of three cargo hook systems that can be operated independently, allowing the aircraft to simultaneously transport three different external sling loads. Our integrated design is robust, compact, and provides many safety and reliability advantages.”
