Navy Greenlights Sikorsky’s Contract for Six Additional CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopters
The CH-53K King Stallion has successfully completed over 2,000 flight hours, showcasing its exceptional performance in various environments, including maritime operations and extreme weather conditions. Recently, the helicopter demonstrated its capabilities by conducting air-to-air refueling with a 27,000-lb external load, highlighting its prowess in heavy-lift transport from sea to shore.
Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), has been awarded a contract to produce six additional CH-53K helicopters for the U.S. Navy. These advanced aircraft will further bolster the U.S. Marine Corps’ mission of expeditionary heavy-lift assault transport, facilitating the movement of armored vehicles, essential equipment, and personnel from a sea-based operational center deep into inland territories.
These six helicopters contribute to the Program of Record, which encompasses 200 aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps, raising the total number of CH-53K production aircraft under contract to 24. As part of the Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Lot 4 contract, Sikorsky is set to commence deliveries in January 2024.
Major General Greg Masiello, program executive officer for air ASW, assault, and special mission programs, remarked, “This contract award reflects the government’s confidence in the CH-53K platform. We are committed to enhancing affordability while ensuring that this helicopter effectively meets the needs of the United States Marine Corps and its allies.”
Advancements in King Stallion Production
The CH-53K program is progressing swiftly, with five aircraft currently in production at Sikorsky facilities in Connecticut, while over two dozen units are at various stages of assembly. The program anticipates delivering the first low-rate initial production aircraft by September 2021.
Significant investments have been made in production capabilities, including facilities, machinery, and workforce training. Recently, new 10-ton cranes were utilized to install a 12,000 lb gearbox into a CH-53K aircraft, signifying advancements in production processes.
Bill Falk, Sikorsky’s CH-53K program director, stated, “The production of the CH-53K helicopter ushers in a new era of enhanced capabilities, safety, and mission flexibility for the U.S. Marine Corps. Sikorsky is dedicated to ensuring that the Marine Corps fully benefits from this innovative helicopter.”
“Pilots are currently training on advanced flight simulation devices to ensure they are well-prepared for efficient operational deployment,” Falk added.
CH-53K Testing and Validation
The CH-53K is approaching the conclusion of its developmental flight testing phase, gearing up for Initial Operational Test & Evaluation (IOT&E). With more than 2,000 flight hours logged, the aircraft has validated its performance in shipboard operations and diverse environmental conditions. Notable achievements this year include:
- Successful air-to-air refueling with an external load
- Initial sea trials
- Flight testing in extreme heat and dusty conditions at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Arizona
Further milestones achieved include:
- A maximum weight single-point cargo hook sling load of 36,000 pounds (16,329 kilograms)
- Forward flight speeds exceeding 150 knots
- 60-degree angle-of-bank turns
- Altitude capabilities of 18,500 feet mean sea level (MSL)
- 12-degree slope landings and takeoffs
- External load auto-jettison functionality
- Successful gunfire testing
