Sikorsky Conducts Static Test on CH-53K - Analyst Blog

To verify the structural strength of the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. UTX, has completed a series of initial tests required by the Naval Air Systems Command.

As a part of a three-year program, Sikorsky has built a static test airframe, which is used to determine the capacity of the helicopter to handle the structural loads that will be imposed on it in flight and its structural integrity to operate safely over its entire flight envelope. The Static Test Article is housed in a test facility at Sikorsky's manufacturing plant in Stratford. It enables Sikorsky to replicate the stresses, strains and aerodynamic forces that the CH-53K helicopter will likely experience during its flight. With this test, Sikorsky can measure the airworthiness and crash worthiness while verifying safety margins for all expected operational conditions.

Till date, Sikorsky has completed a total of six test conditions on the Static Test Article. Sikorsky will continue to test the structural integrity of the CH-53K Static Test Article for another two years. The effective testing and validation is a highly collaborative process to asses a helicopter's performance and ensure that it meets the highest quality and safety standards. These evaluations include additional checks to see how an aircraft behaves with normal and exceptional loads.

Based in Hartford, Conn., United Technologies provides high-end technology products and services to the building systems and aerospace industries worldwide. The company is a diversified business conglomerate serving various end markets such as aerospace, defense and commercial construction. The business diversification allows the company to remain profitable during tough economic times.

United Technologies currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Other stocks that look promising and are worth a look now include Noble Group Ltd. (NOBGY), having a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and CLARCOR Inc. CLC and Crane Co. CR, both having a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).