The Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter has completed initial operational testing before induction into the US Marine Corps (USMC).
The operational testing, which began in 2022, was completed earlier this month, with plans to field the aircraft later this year.
The USMC has contracted Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky to build nine additional helicopters after an initial order of 12 aircraft contracted in 2019.
The company’s Stratford manufacturing plant has seven helicopters currently under construction and will initially manufacture another 47 units. The US Navy plans to procure 200 CH-53Ks in total.
About the Sikorsky CH-53K
First flown in 2015, the CH-53K King Stallion is a sea-based helicopter designed to replace the CH-53E heavy-lift helicopter used to transport marines and equipment from ships to beaches.
The USMC plans to deploy the King Stallions across eight active, two reserve, two developmental testing, and one fleet replacement squadron.
The long-range helicopter is designed to provide three times the lift capability of its predecessor. Capable of lifting more than 18 tons, the large cargo aircraft can lift armored vehicles, equipment, and personnel for sea-based operations.
It can operate in high temperatures and at altitudes up to 18,500 feet (5.6 kilometers), flying at 200 knots (370 kilometers/230 miles per hour).
The full operational capability of the new fleet is scheduled for 2030 with the transition of the last active-component squadron.
CH-53K Helicopters for Israel
Sikorsky is also preparing to build the CH-53K for Israel. Last week, US Naval Air Systems Command officials announced a $52.5 million order to the company for full-rate production of the aircraft for the Israeli military.
In February last year, the Israeli defense ministry announced that it had selected the CH-53K over Boeing’s CH-47 Chinook. The Sikorskys will replace the country’s 50-year-old CH-53D Sea Stallion Yasur helicopter.