King Stallion embarks on IOT&E
CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter at Marine Corps Air Station New River. (Photo: USMC)
Sikorsky and the USMC hope for a decision on CH-53K full-rate production in 2023, followed by a first operational deployment in 2024 and full operational capability by the end of the decade.
The Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter is poised to demonstrate in-flight refuelling in August after initial operational testing and evaluation (IOT&E) began in July.
Speaking on 3 August during a briefing at the Navy League Sea-Air-Space conference in Washington DC, USMC programme manager Col Jack Perrin said that since the first fleet flight of the CH-53K in January 2021, crews from the VMX-1 operational test and development squadron carried out 250h of preparations for IOT&E.
The IOT&E phase includes deployments to demonstrate required performance under field conditions. In August, for example, CH-53Ks will demonstrate their capability to be refuelled
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![FIA 2026: Honeywell Aerospace targets expansion following June spin-off]()
FIA 2026: Honeywell Aerospace targets expansion following June spin-off
Honeywell Aerospace charted its growth strategy as a standalone company, with CEO Jim Currier pointing to record defence budgets and a $19 billion backlog as drivers of expansion.
-
![US Marine Corps aims to make drones as commonplace as rifles on the battlefield]()
US Marine Corps aims to make drones as commonplace as rifles on the battlefield
The USMC is transforming drones into standard equipment through major funding increases, standardised training, new doctrine and rapid battlefield adaptation, with nearly $820 million requested for UAS programmes in FY2027.
-
![FIA 2026: Malloy eyes NATO expansion and Australia for T-150 as it scales up technology]()
FIA 2026: Malloy eyes NATO expansion and Australia for T-150 as it scales up technology
BAE Systems’ Malloy Aeronautics is seeking to expand the international customer base for its T-150 heavy-lift UAV, with NATO users beginning to adopt the platform and Australia identified as a key prospective market.
-
![FIA 2026: Embraer, Anduril sign agreement to develop cruise missile launch capability for the C-390]()
FIA 2026: Embraer, Anduril sign agreement to develop cruise missile launch capability for the C-390
The Brazilian airframer and US developer have announced plans to offer a palletised launch system for the twinjet tactical airlifter.
-
![FIA 2026: Tekever targets British Army’s Project Nyx with hydraulic-powered AR6 drone]()
FIA 2026: Tekever targets British Army’s Project Nyx with hydraulic-powered AR6 drone
As Tekever positions its newly revealed UK-sovereign, autonomous heavy-lift drone family for the British Army's Project Nyx, the company is also eyeing an international future for the capability.
-
![FIA 2026: Boeing pitches Ghost Bat as mature answer to growing CCA demand]()
FIA 2026: Boeing pitches Ghost Bat as mature answer to growing CCA demand
Boeing said demand for collaborative combat aircraft could outstrip what any single supplier can provide, as BAE Systems and Anduril unveiled new platforms at Farnborough International Airshow 2026.
