Rotorcraft
Columbia and Piasecki To Upgrade Model 107 Helicopters
The upgrades to the rotorcraft will be done in a former Sikorsky factory now run by Piasecki
Columbia Helicopters Model 107-II heavy-lift rotorcraft
Columbia Helicopters owns the type and production certificates for the Model 107-II heavy-lift, tandem rotor aircraft.

Columbia Helicopters (CHI) is joining forces with Piasecki Aircraft to upgrade tandem rotor heavy-lift rotorcraft for a variety of civil and military applications. Under a partnership announced today, the companies will upgrade existing Model 107-II helicopters to deliver greater fuel efficiency, power, and reliability as the new Columbia CHI-107-III.

The modifications will include the installation of upgraded General Electric CT-58 turboshafts with 25% more power than the existing T-58 engines. It will also involve fitting a new glass cockpit and an improved autopilot, as well as a new rotor system with lower maintenance requirements, a health monitoring system, and a new fuel system for extended range. The partners have not yet confirmed the details of the improved performance of the aircraft.