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Composite parts maker joins CH-53K team

WICHITA, Kan., May 11 (UPI) -- Sikorsky Aircraft awarded a contract for structural components made of composite materials to be used in a new cargo helicopter for the U.S. Marines.

Spirit AeroSystems of Wichita, Kan., announced Thursday it had struck a seven-year agreement with Sikorsky to provide composite cockpits and cabins structures for the CH-53K, an updated version of the current workhorse Super Stallion choppers.

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Nicknamed "The Kilo," the CH-53K is being designed to operate at high altitudes and in hot weather without sacrificing the lift capacity that has become a vital attribute in current U.S. military operations.

Analysts note that the Super Stallion's original mission of fairly routine behind-the-lines cargo movement has become increasingly complex with greater distances being covered and chores such as search-and-rescue and troop transport.

The Kilo will have a 20-knot speed advantage over the current Super Stallion fleet and will be able to haul 27,000 pounds of cargo a distance of 110 miles. Deployment is projected for 2015.

Spirit said in its statement that it would joint Sikorsky in the SDD (system design and demonstration) phase of the project and would produce seven structures, four of which will eventually undergo flight testing.

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