Columbia Helicopters announced a partnership with Piasecki Aircraft to upgrade current Model 107-II tandem-rotor helicopters for better fuel efficiency, power and reliability like the new Columbia CHI-107-III model, AIN reported. Modifications cover installing an upgraded General Electric CT-58 turboshafts with 25 percent more power over the current T-58 engines, adding a new glass cockpit with improved autopilot, a new fuel system for longer ranges and a new rotor system with lower maintenance requirements. Modifications will be made and tested at Piasecki’s facility in Coatesville, Penn, which used to be Sikorsky’s production line for S-76 and S-92 single-rotor helicopters. The Model 107-II is the civilian version of the CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter that served with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.