UTC Aerospace: Parts will cut down maintenance on CH-53K

United Technologies Corp. subsidiary UTC Aerospace Systems announced today the components it's providing to the Marine Corps' heavy-lift helicopter will reduce the amount of regular maintenance the aircraft requires.

UTC Aerospace is supplying the power transmission system for the tail rotor, including drive shafts, couplings and bearing assemblies for the Marine Corps' CH-53K King Stallion.

"Unlike flexible disc couplings, which typically need to be replaced at regular intervals over the life of the aircraft, UTC Aerospace Systems couplings are qualified to last the life of the helicopter, further reducing required maintenance," according to a company statement.

The company also said the drive shaft system is constructed of titanium and high-strength aluminum to reduce corrosion and decrease weight.

Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky is the prime contractor for the CH-53K, which is the replacement for the CH-53E Super Stallion. The King Stallion is the Marine Corps' highly anticipated heavy-lift helicopter expected to carry three times the load of its predecessor. The program of record will purchase 200 helicopters.

Marine Corps officials have repeatedly insisted they can meet an initial operational capability deadline of December 2019 despite two Pentagon offices casting doubt.

The helicopter's first deployment is expected in the 2023-2024 time frame.