Sikorsky Builds Lab to Test US Combat Rescue Copter Systems

The Sikorsky company has opened a new Systems Integration Lab (SIL) to begin testing key systems for the new Combat Rescue Helicopter being built for the US Air Force, Lockheed Martin said in a news release.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) —The SIL covers 2,500 square feet and is located in Sikorsky’s main manufacturing facility in Stratford in the US state of Connecticut, the Air Force explained.

"The SIL complex includes four laboratories for testing avionics, electrical power, electronic flight controls and integrated vehicle diagnostics. Each subsystem will be evaluated independently before progressing to a fully integrated aircraft-representative test configuration," it said.

The USAF program calls for 112 helicopters to replace the Air Force’s aging HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters that carry out combat search and rescue and personnel recovery operations for all US military services, the Air Force noted.

The $1.2 billion Engineering Manufacturing & Development contract includes development and integration of the next generation combat rescue helicopter and mission systems, including delivery of four HH-60W helicopters, it added.