Piasecki Aircraft Corporation (PiAC) and Columbia Helicopters (CHI) have formed a strategic partnership to upgrade existing Model 107-II helicopters to the advanced Columbia Model CHI-107-III. This upgrade aims to enhance fuel efficiency, power, and robustness, benefiting sectors such as emergency response, aerial firefighting, forestry, infrastructure, and defense. The military variant of the Model 107-II, known as the CH-46E Sea Knight, has been used by the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy, and international allies.
The modifications and testing will be conducted at Piasecki’s 219,000-square-foot heliplex facility in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, which was acquired from Lockheed Martin Sikorsky in 2023. This facility, supported by Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey, Representative Chrissy Houlahan, Governor Josh Shapiro, and the Chester County Economic Development Council, aims to revitalize the region’s aerospace industry and create new jobs.
The partnership also includes the establishment of an FAA Part 145 Repair Station at the facility, enhancing product support for the new helicopter model. Both Piasecki and Columbia Helicopters are enthusiastic about the collaboration, which they believe will advance rotorcraft technology, improve heavy-lift capabilities, and generate significant employment opportunities while serving a wide range of military and civil applications.
Read all about it on Newswire, here!