Spirit AeroSystems, located in Wichita, Kansas, has historically played a vital role in producing military aircraft, including the iconic B-52 Stratofortress, solidifying its reputation in defense manufacturing.
In June 2018, Spirit AeroSystems delivered the final System Demonstration Test Article (SDTA) CH-53K® fuselage to Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, for the U.S. Marines. Major assembly on the fuselage for SDTA six, the final SDTA helicopter, is underway. Spirit is responsible for the assembly of the entire cockpit and cabin and delivering the complete fuselage to Sikorsky. The lightweight composite fuselage structure supports the Marines’ needed additional heavy-lift capability with triple the load-carrying capacity of the current CH-53E Super Stallion. The new heavy-lifter will allow the U.S. Marine Corps and international militaries to move troops and equipment from ship to shore, and to higher-altitude terrain, more quickly and effectively than ever before.
