Formelly known as CH-53X, the CH-53K is a general redesign of the CH-53E with new engines, new cockpit layout and a wider cargo hold to allow it to carry a Humvee internally resulting in over twice the lift capacity and radius of action of the previous variant.
Selected by the US Marine Corps in 2006, which has 227 on order, was expected to began flight testing by 2011 but was deferred to 2014.
The CH-53K is scheduled to achieve its Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in FY2018.
On May 2013 a $435M contract was awarded for the construction of four System Demonstration Test Article aircraft prototypes (SDTA).
As of June 2013, program expected 196 CH-53K to be produced.
On May 5, 2014 took place the roll-out presentation ceremony where it was unveil the aircraft name King Stallion.
Selected by the US Marine Corps in 2006, which has 227 on order, was expected to began flight testing by 2011 but was deferred to 2014.
The CH-53K is scheduled to achieve its Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in FY2018.
On May 2013 a $435M contract was awarded for the construction of four System Demonstration Test Article aircraft prototypes (SDTA).
As of June 2013, program expected 196 CH-53K to be produced.
On May 5, 2014 took place the roll-out presentation ceremony where it was unveil the aircraft name King Stallion.
The CH-53K programme suffered a number of difficulties, including the need to re-design the gearbox, which delayed the first flight of the YCH-53K to Oct 2015.
The CH-53K is Sikorsky proposal for the German Heavy Lift Helicopter replacement program.
First helicopter delivered to MCAS New River on May 2018.
First helicopter delivered to MCAS New River on May 2018.
Specifications CH-53K King Stallion |
List of Operators of CH-53K King Stallion |
Years | Model | Org | |
---|---|---|---|
2015- | Sikorsky Helicopters | ||
2018- | US Marine Corps | ||
2025 | Heil Ha'Avir |
Global Distribution of CH-53K King Stallion |
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