From time to time, the United States military needs to transport vehicles, equipment, and personnel to different locations. In such cases, heavy lift helicopters such as the Boeing Chinook and the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion are employed for the job. Recognizing the need for such heavy lifters in its fleet, the US Marine Corps has placed orders for six more CH-53K King Stallions for the US Navy.
Part Of 200 Aircraft Program
The US Marine Corps is actually planning to acquire up to 200 Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallions for a total cost of around $25 billion. After receiving the first King Stallion in 2018, the U.S. Marine Corps is subjecting the chopper to various trials to ensure that it's suitable to tackle its transport needs.
Prior to the latest deal, Sikorsky had a contract to build 18 CH-53Ks. This number has risen to 24 with the awarding of a new contract dubbed Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Lot 4. Lockheed Martin will commence delivery of the six LRIP Lot 4 aircraft by January 2024, or more than two years after it delivers the LRIP Lot 1 choppers in September 2021.
Developmental Flight Tests Near Completion
Sikorsky's CH-53K King Stallion will soon complete its developmental flight tests and proceed to the Initial Operational Test & Evaluation (IOT&E). These include air-to-air refueling and initial sea trials. The King Stallion also underwent flight tests in hot and dusty conditions.
During its flight tests, the King Stallion was made to fly forward at speeds of more than 150 knots and soar to an altitude of 18,500 feet mean sea level. It was also made to complete 60-degree angle-of-bank turns and 12-degree slope landings and takeoffs. To test its heavy lifting capabilities, the King Stallion was made to sling load 36,000 pounds of cargo.
Built For The Modern Battlefield
Built for the modern battlefield, the CH-53K King Stallion builds on the success of its predecessors such as the Sikorsky CH-53A, CH-53D/G, and CH-53E. It's expected to heavy lift armored vehicles, equipment, and personnel from the sea to various operations inland.
Source: Lockheed Martin