News
Airbus, Donaldson to work on German CH-53GA upgrades
July 14, 2014 By Carey Fredericks
July 14, 2014, Farnborough, U.K. - Donaldson Aerospace & Defense has been selected to provide air filtration systems for CH-53 transport helicopters that Airbus Helicopters is upgrading for the German military.
Donaldson’s products will filter cooling air for avionics bays on 40 medium-lift CH-53Gs that Airbus Helicopters is upgrading to the -53GA configuration through 2015. Among the upgrades are new avionics and communications systems, including a four-axis autopilot with auto-hover automatic flight control, modernized electronic warfare capabilities, an enhanced glass cockpit and satellite communications. Donaldson’s Strata Tube inertial particle separators and pleated filter media will protect those critical systems from the degrading effects of airborne fine-particle contaminants. Along with structural enhancements, the upgrades are designed to ensure that the CH-53GAs remain effective military platforms through 2030.
“The CH-53GAs will provide a critical airlift capability for Germany and its allies in European and international operations,” said Mark Brandenhoff, Global Director of Sales. “We at Donaldson are pleased to support Airbus Helicopters in helping to ensure the safe and reliable performance of these critical assets.”
The first CH-53GAs currently are undergoing certification by the German military. Airbus Helicopters Germany’s Donauwörth facility, near Munich, is performing upgrades of the Sikorsky Aircraft-designed CH-53 helicopters, which will be operated by the German Air Force.
