Erickson, the leading operator, repairer and manufacturer of General Aviation, announced on March 2 that its next-generation composite main rotor blade (CMRB) has been approved by the FAA. After years of manufacturing metal blades, Eriksson has invested in the future of the Sikorsky S-64 rotorcraft by designing, certifying and manufacturing composite main rotor blades.
The company worked closely with various industry partners to begin the process of designing new blades in 2008. In 2013, Eriksson partnered with Helicopter Transport Services, so the blades could also be used on the CH-54 rotorcraft. In order to maintain strict control over blade manufacturing, a composite material manufacturing plant was built from scratch in 2015.
After thousands of hours of design, testing and analysis by the company's engineers and partners, the new composite main rotor blades have now been approved for use with the S-64E, and their initial life will be extended as fatigue testing progresses. The certification of CH-54A is expected to be completed quickly in the next few weeks, and the certification of S-64F and CH-54B is expected to take place this summer.
The responsible person said: "The CMRB plan demonstrates our commitment to modernize innovation and next-generation plans for S-64 aerial crane helicopters and old fleets." "As an OEM supplier and air operator, Erickson is constantly working to find new and reliable Solutions to make our customers longer, safer, and always fly at the best price. "
Services include manufacturing S-64 Aircrane helicopters as an original equipment manufacturer and manufacturing key aerospace parts for aerospace OEMs. Commercial air services include the operation of 20 Erickson-owned and operated S-64 Aircrane helicopters to perform fire protection, power line construction, timber harvesting, HVAC and oil and gas specialty heavy transportation.