Challenge

The tail pylon on the H-53 helicopter is one of the most critical parts of the aircraft, and any issues with this part can result in total aircraft loss. With aging aircraft, replacement parts and extending the life of components is key to continued operations. Erickson has helped to restart the supply chain to support the manufacture, repair and overhaul of this critical component in partnership with Sikorsky, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) and Naval Air Systems Command’s (NAVAIR) PMA-261, the H-53 Heavy-lift Helicopters program office, for the past nine years.

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Solution

In 2013, Erickson took on a contract with Sikorsky to produce five tail pylon assemblies supporting NAVSUP and the U.S. Marines. Our engineering and production team designed and manufactured 1,600 different tools for this project. Each pylon assembly consisted of 800-part numbers to total over 4,000 parts for this contract, which our production team manufactured. “A lot of work goes into these cold-start, complex, short-run production projects as these pylons had not been produced in over 20 years. Our ability to deliver these components highlighted Erickson’s core competencies of engineering and manufacturing support, and supply chain management of legacy aircraft platforms.” Said Ryan Perkins, Sr. Director of Defense Business Development and Sales. “Sikorsky and the end-user were very happy with the product.”

Results

 

Years of Support

 

Tools Designed & Manufactured

 

Total Different Parts Manufactured