Rheinmetall is building at Leipzig/Halle Airport

Together with a team of leading German industrial companies, Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, and Rheinmetall are applying with the CH-53K helicopter (also known as the "King Stallion") for the successor in the procurement project "Heavy Transport Helicopter" (STH). In the event of a successful application, the US company and the German technology conglomerate plan to set up a logistics center and a fleet management center at Leipzig/Halle Airport. This would mean the establishment of numerous jobs and significantly strengthen the economic location of Leipzig and the local airport. The Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) intends to make a decision on the new transport helicopter procurement at the beginning of 2021.

Rheinmetall and the US helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky have already informed representatives of state politics, economic development in Saxony, and the airport operator about their intention to establish the necessary center for operating the helicopter in Leipzig.

Mike Schmidt, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Aviation Services GmbH: "We are in advanced talks about a logistics and project control hub at Leipzig Airport. We are pleased with the very positive responses so far. In the event of a successful application, the supply of the new Bundeswehr transport helicopter and project control could be carried out centrally and efficiently in Leipzig. At Rheinmetall Aviation Services, we are also considering relocating our headquarters to Leipzig. For the region, the project would mean the establishment of important industries and associated jobs."

Christian Albrecht, International Business Development Manager at Sikorsky and former captain at Helicopter Wing 64 in Holzdorf, added: "We have built a strong industrial team in Germany that will ensure the availability of the CH-53K fleet for the Air Force. 70 percent of maintenance work is planned to take place in Germany. With our plans for a hub at Leipzig Airport, we are laying the foundation to offer the Bundeswehr a reliable helicopter for decades to come."

In addition to using existing hangars and storage areas at Leipzig/Halle Airport, Sikorsky and Rheinmetall's plans include the establishment of a fleet management center where technical data of the helicopters can be analyzed. The CH-53K is the most modern, intelligent, and powerful heavy transport helicopter ever built. As such, the helicopter features an integrated Health & Monitoring System (IVHMS) that monitors the operation of the entire aircraft, identifies maintenance needs of key components, and simplifies their maintenance. Additionally, parts of the project team are planned to be located directly at the airport.

Sikorsky and Rheinmetall are currently applying with a consortium of more than ten leading German technology companies, including MTU Aero Engines, Autoflug, Hydro, Hensoldt, ZF Friedrichshafen, and Rohde & Schwarz, with the CH-53K "King Stallion" for the successor of the Bundeswehr's Heavy Transport Helicopter. The deadline for submitting proposals ends in January 2020. A decision on the award is expected in early 2021.

Rheinmetall on the internet: www.rheinmetall.com

Lockheed Martin on the internet: www.lockheedmartin.com