Kaman Cockpits Integrated into Sikorsky Helicopters
Sikorsky Relies on Kaman Integrated Structures & Metallics for Cockpit Construction
Problem: Sikorsky made the decision to concentrate on final assembly of the Blackhawk and Seahawk helicopters and source major assemblies of the helicopter’s structure. One of these structures was the cockpits.
Solution: Kaman Integrated Structures & Metallics in Jacksonville, Florida, was awarded the contract to manufacture the cockpits for the UH-60L and various other models. The first contract was awarded in 2004. On April 22, 2010, Kaman Integrated Structures & Metallics delivered its 500th Blackhawk/Seahawk cockpit to Sikorsky (a major milestone in a military aerospace manufacturing program).
Kaman Integrated Structures & Metallics currently manufactures cockpits for the UH-60M, UH-60L, HH-60M, S70i, and MH-60S Blackhawk and Seahawk helicopters. We produce more than 170 cockpits per year and are responsible for program management, SCM, manufacturing of many of the detail sheet metal, extrusion, and machined parts. We also conduct final assembly of the structure and integrate the installation of wiring harnesses, ducting, and control mechanisms into the final delivered structure.
Tools: Program Management, SCM, Master schedules, understanding legacy build procedures and improving them, design change implementation, cost savings.
Results: Today, Kaman Integrated Structures & Metallics is completing its second contract (MYVII) with Sikorsky for these cockpits and expects to be manufacturing them for some time to come. Kaman is a Top 100 Sikorsky Supplier and due to our performance on this program, Kaman has won additional work from Sikorsky.
