Pentagon Cites Sikorsky Copter Problem

Reuters via Excite ^ | February 28, 2004 | Andrea Shalal-Esa

[PAR35]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. military has put off accepting new Black Hawk and MH-60S helicopters built by Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. until it fixes a "systemic manufacturing problem" on its production line, a U.S. Navy report said.

The report is dated Feb. 24, one day after the Pentagon announced it was scrapping the $39 billion Comanche helicopter built by Sikorsky, a unit of United Technologies Corp., and Boeing Co.

The report from the Navy program office comes amid a fierce competition between Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin Corp. to build a new presidential helicopter.

Stripped bolts, leaking gearboxes, bolts insufficiently tightened and parts mix-ups between Navy and Army models of the MH-60 helicopter were among the problems listed in the report obtained by Reuters.

"In the past few weeks, several serious manufacturing issues have arisen on the production line," said the report.

"The issues are not confined to Sierra, but have occurred plant-wide, indicating a systemic manufacturing problem on the production line."

Sierra is the Navy's term for the "S" version of the MH-60 helicopter.

Sikorsky has already delivered 50 of the transport version of the MH-60S Knighthawks to the Navy and is building a variant that will be used for mine detection.

The MH-60S is an amalgam of the Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk Army helicopter and its Navy variant, the SH-60B Seahawk.

***

The status report said Sikorsky was addressing a problem with cracks developing in reinforcement straps, which could result in frame damage.

***

In addition, it cited three cases in which the helicopter's cargo hook released on its own. The last incident happened while the helicopter was carrying a cargo of 3,500 pounds (1,600 kg) at an altitude of 30 feet, damaging a flight deck safety net.

[PAR35]

Stripped bolts, leaking gearboxes, bolts insufficiently tightened and parts mix-ups between Navy and Army models of the MH-60 helicopter were among the problems listed in the report obtained by Reuters.

Perhaps some folks need to be tried for sabotage and treason.

[AEMILIUS PAULUS]

Probably incompetency.

[CGASMIA68]

Probably union labor thinking "job security",......whoops shot ourselves in the foot again......
No excuse and Sikorsky deserves the loss if they cant police a grossly over paid work force.....

[Doe Eyes]

No excuse and Sikorsky deserves the loss if they cant police a grossly over paid work force.....,

Yeah, if Americans can't get the job done, they should move production to China. Bet we wouldn't be grossly over paying those commie workers.

[baltodog]

This could hurt -- we make Blackhawk floorboards where I work.

I am also directly involved in the S-76 Commercial blade program and I can attest to the fact that the S-76 team they have seem to have their poop in one scoop...

They are generally a good group of people to do business with....instantaneous response on any engineering or manufacturing issues.

[PAR35]

Probably incompetency.

Probably right, but that would be an affirmative defense which they would have the burden of proving.

[joesnuffy]

Affirmative action in companies with govt contracts?...probably be better off built in korea

[PAR35]

This could hurt -- we make Blackhawk floorboards where I work.

I didn't see the floorboards mentioned. You all must be doing a good job.

[AEMILIUS PAULUS]

Publishing their pictures might help in the long run.

[joesnuffy]

the report obtained by Reuters

[CGASMIA68]

Get a grip....Igor ain't the only game in town,China's got nothing to do with it, I flew in Igor's stuff for 20 years and it was top of the line.If its becoming inferior than so long,our people require a dependable platform to do their job and shoddy build outs dont get it.....If they cant tow the line ....tough noogies...Wall Marts hiring in Branford...

[PAR35]

the report obtained by Reuters

Did you check out the reporter's last name? Sounds like it might be islamic.

[Zeppo]

This article is a bit old - there is updated info in this Reuters article: Navy, Army resume accepting Sikorsky helicopters