CH-53K Initial Operational Test and Evaluation

Helis, August 10, 2021 - The Sikorsky CH-53K completed a important milestone as officially enters Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E).

Last January, a four-helicopter detachment from Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron VMX-1 became the first operational unit to flew the CH-53K.

Until then, only pilots in the test team, professional test pilots hired by the Marine Corps and contractor Sikorsky, as well as those in Air Test and Evaluation Squadron HX-21 had flown the helo.

Last June, Sikorsky was awarded Lot 5 contract bringing the CH-53K heavy lift helicopter program total aircraft, either delivered or on contract, to 33. U.S. Marines aims for 200 helicopters to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion.

Now with Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announcement, the new aircraft is a step closer to achieve Marine Corps plans of sending the King Stallion out for its first deployment in 2023 or 2024 as their new expeditionary advanced base pperations vertical, long-range, heavy-lift, logistics backbone.

A 50 Year Legacy of Heavy Lift Solutions

Sikorsky, August 9, 2021 - The CH-53K King Stallion advances Sikorsky’s 50 years of manufacturing and operational success with its CH-53A, CH-53D/G, and CH-53E predecessors.

Built to thrive on the modern battlefield, including shipboard operations, the CH-53K aircraft is designed to be intelligent, reliable, low maintenance and survivable in the most austere and remote forward operating bases.

The CH-53K helicopter has been designed and built to the exacting standards of the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) and will serve as its critical land and sea based logistics connector.

The new heavy lifter will allow the U.S. Marine Corps and international militaries to move troops and equipment from ship to shore, and to higher altitude terrain, more quickly and effectively than ever before.

The CH-53K Test Flight team has our most experienced and seasoned engineers, pilots, maintainers and support staff. The CH-53K continues to successfully execute key performance, test, and production milestones.

Sikorsky's digital design approach runs seamlessly throughout design, development, production, and sustainment, driving sped and affordability across the product lifecycle.