Boeing, Lockheed Martin respond to cancelled German heavy-lift helo tender

The two bidders for Germany’s heavy-lift helicopter requirement have responded to the country’s decision to cancel the Schwerer Transporthubschrauber (STH) tender without warning in late 2020.

The CH-53K (foreground) and CH-47F (background) that were competing the now-cancelled STH requirement both featured on the flightline at the ILA Airshow 2018 in Berlin. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)

Both Boeing and Lockheed Martin told Janes on 13 January that they remain ready to support the Luftwaffe’s continued requirement to replace its 70 VFW-Sikorsky CH-53G-series Stallions with between 40 to 60 H-47 Chinook or CH-53K King Stallion helicopters respectively, although the latter added that it is seeking a review from the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) into the reasons behind the cancellation.

“After careful evaluation, [Lockheed Martin subsidiary] Sikorsky has decided to move forward with a request for review from the BAAINBw on its decision to cancel the STH programme,” Lockheed Martin told Janes . “We believe we have a compelling case in this regard. We are confident that we offer the most valuable and capable solution to meet the needs of the German armed forces while providing robust opportunities for German industry. We remain committed to supporting the German armed forces with its transition from the legacy Sikorsky CH-53G helicopter fleet and look forward to continuing dialogue with the German government regarding the CH-53K helicopter as its next heavy-lift solution.”

For its part, Boeing told Janes