Story ID: 143EricksonNavyHAI16.doc
Erickson Supports Navy Heavy Lift Program
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: The Portland, Ore., company is leveraging its experience gained in the S-54 to provide assistance for its siblings.
Word Count: 285
Global helicopter operator and manufacturer Erickson is utilizing its capabilities in support of the U.S. Navy’s heavy lift rotorcraft fleet. The Oregon-based company (Booth 9251) recently delivered the last of five spare tail pylon units for the CH-53E Super Stallion, the largest helicopter operated by the service. Erickson was contracted by Sikorsky, now owned by Lockheed Martin, to build the out-of-production assemblies at its facility at Central Point, Ore. 
  
“Erickson is increasingly a trusted provider of contemporary maintenance and repair services, which this project exemplifies,” noted company president and CEO Jeff Roberts. “Our extensive history with the Sikorsky aircraft specifically enables us to perform this important work for the U.S. Marine Corps.” Erickson purchased the type certificate of the former Sikorsky S-54 (CH-54) heavy lift helicopter, a contemporary of the CH-53, in 1992 and is now the world’s largest operator of the type. In addition to remanufacturing legacy airframes it is now building new versions of the iconic S-64E Air-Crane.
  
Erickson further leveraged that experience when it was selected as a subcontractor by Adams Communication and Engineering Technologies (ACET) to refurbish a pair of MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters. It is the first contract awarded by the U.S. Navy to a commercial contractor for a depot-level maintenance event of an MH-53E, according to Kerry Jarandson, the company’s vice president of MRO and manufacturing. Work on the first helicopter began last month at Erickson’s facility at Rogue Valley International Airport in Medford, Ore. “Erickson is pleased to partner with ACET in support of this project, said Roberts. “We take great pride in assisting the U.S. Navy to enhance their fleet capabilities.”