Sikorsky wins U.S. Navy contract for 35 CH-53K "King Stallion" helicopters

Sikorsky wins U.S. Navy contract for 35 CH-53K “King Stallion” helicopters

Time Stamp: August 26, 2023 3:06 PM
Source Node: 2848255
U.S. Marines conduct a CH-53K test flight at Sikorsky in Stratford, Conn. The heavy lift helicopter will be based at Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Photo courtesy of Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company.

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has been awarded a $2.7 billion contract by the U.S. Navy to construct and deliver 35 additional CH-53K helicopters, marking the largest procurement for this versatile aircraft. The deal encompasses 12 aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps Lot 7, 15 for Lot 8, and eight for Israel. The helicopters are scheduled for delivery starting in 2026. This agreement strengthens Sikorsky’s supply base, enhances production efficiency, and provides the U.S. Marine Corps with advanced 21st-century technology.

The contract also includes eight more CH-53K helicopters for the Israeli Air Force, expanding on the initial production announcement made in 2022 under a U.S. Navy Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement. These helicopters will support Israeli special operations and various missions, including troop and cargo transport, search and rescue, and more.

The CH-53K program achieved Full Rate Production status in December 2022, aiming to increase annual production to over 20 helicopters in the near future. Sikorsky is investing in long-lead items and critical materials to facilitate CH-53K production in its digital factory, streamlining the manufacturing process. The CH-53K has demonstrated its capabilities through several milestones, including surpassing 1,000 operational flight hours and completing successful sea trials.

Distinguished by its heavy-lift capabilities surpassing other U.S. Department of Defense rotary wing aircraft, the CH-53K King Stallion remains the sole heavy-lift helicopter in production beyond 2032. It can carry substantial external loads over considerable distances, making it vital for tasks like transporting armoured vehicles, equipment, and personnel to support operations in the Indo-Pacific region. The digitally designed aircraft is adaptable for various roles, including humanitarian aid, firefighting, and search and rescue missions.

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