STRATFORD, Conn., Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. unveiled Monday a state-of-the-art virtual reality center for the CH-53K heavy lift helicopter program.
The company said the innovative tool will help identify gaps in a three-dimensional digital environment prior to experimental assembly of the aircraft.
"The virtual reality tool allows the team to find production and maintenance issues that typically only could be found during the initial build of the aircraft," said Michael Torok, Sikorsky vice president and chief engineer for Marine Corps programs. "With this tool, we can identify these potential problems in time to avoid them."
Located within the engineering labs at Sikorsky's main manufacturing facility, the virtual reality center uses sophisticated software, along with 12 cameras, a head-mounted display headset, gloves and a gripping tool.
All devices are linked to three computers, which comprise the command center for operating the system.
"This tool will enhance the designer's ability to design an aircraft that is easier to maintain. Designers will no longer have to rely on their imaginations to understand assembly and maintenance issues. They will be able to experience them long before parts are fabricated," said Mark Miller, Sikorsky vice president, research and engineering.
Sikorsky received a $3 billion system development and demonstration contract in 2006 to develop a replacement for the U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E heavy lift helicopter. The new aircraft program is planned to include production of more than 200 aircraft.
Currently, the CH-53K helicopter is in the SDD phase with all of the major subcontracts awarded and valued at more than $1.1 billion.
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