Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, was recently awarded a $1.13 billion contract to build 12 CH-53K King Stallion helicopters for the U.S. Navy. The choppers will be used by the Marine Corps., with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2022.
The CH-53K is the only marine-based, long-distance, heavy-lift helicopter in production, and will immediately provide three times the lift capability of its predecessor. The King Stallion aircraft will be used to transport armored vehicles, equipment, and personnel in support of operations far inland from a sea-based center of operations.
Sikorsky has made significant investments in its facilities, machinery, tooling, and workforce to ramp-up the production requirements of the CH-53K program. This includes eight new titanium machining centers, the design and implementation of a new final assembly test facility with multi-floor ergonomic work platforms, 10-ton cranes, simulation technologies, laser inspection capabilities, and 3D work instructions on the factory floor.
The CH-53K has proven lift capabilities of more than 36,000 pounds for missions that could encompass humanitarian aid, troop and equipment transport, casualty evacuation, support of special operations forces, and combat search and rescue. It also features a flight speed of over 200 knots, 60-degree bank turns, and a flying altitude of 18,500 feet.