This document proposes a new heavy-lift helicopter design that combines elements from existing helicopters for improved capabilities. It would use the CH-53X power train and rotor system, UH-60 cockpit, and modular pods to allow multi-service compatibility. New features include self-deploying wings for additional fuel and counter-torque ducted fans for forward thrust, allowing for rolling takeoffs and higher payloads such as a 38,000 pound armored gun system. The design aims for low cost, low risk, low maintenance advantages over other heavy-lift helicopter options.

1. CH-54X SKYCRANE II Low Cost-Low Risk
Low Maintenance
Sikorsky FTR Proposal? Better External Loading
Flexible Modular Pods
CH-53X Power-Train & Rotor
UH-60 Cockpit Rotor Blades Removed and Secured
Plus 5 Bench Seats Beneath Fuselage
U.S. ARMY
Self-Deployment Wings Added
to Fuselage, Additional Fuel Tanks in Wings Piasecki Twin Ring-Tail Ducted Fans Provide
Forward Thrust and Counter-Torque
Modular Pods Ensures Multi-Service Compatibility
and Avoids Sling-Loading
U.S. ARMY
Close Fuselage
Underslung Loads
Allows Rolling Takeoff * Self Deploy at 250 Knots+ with no Main Rotor Stress
for Higher Net Payloads * Twin Ring-Tail = Short Fuselage, Low Height & Redundancy
Example 38,000 Pound * Low Risk Development, (CH-54A Demonstrator)
Armored Gun System * Less Maintenance Than Four Engine-Rotor, Five Drive Shaft
V-44 Quad Tilt-Rotor
Air-Mech-Strike Study Group
www.geocities.com/air_mech_strike
November 25, 2000 Mike Sparks & Chuck Jarnot
jarnotc@riley.army.mil