Sikorsky to build 12 CH-53Ks for USMC
Sikorsky has received a $1.13 billion contract from the US Navy to build 12 production CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopters for the US Marine Corps (USMC), Lockheed Martin announced on 17 May.
Under the contract, known as low rate initial production Lot 2 and 3, Sikorsky will begin deliveries of 12 CH-53K helicopters in 2022, and also provide spares and logistical support. The advanced helicopters are part of the 200 programme of record aircraft for the USMC.
The CH-53K is a long range, heavy-lift helicopter designed to conduct expeditionary heavy-lift transport of armoured vehicles, equipment and personnel to support distributed operations deep inland from a sea-based centre of operations.
The CH-53K can lift over 36,000lbs and is designed to be reliable, low maintenance and survivable in the most difficult conditions. It has flown over 1,400 test hours and has met all the outer reaches of the test envelope.
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Royal Navy helicopter crews transfer control of UAS in European first]()
Royal Navy helicopter crews transfer control of UAS in European first
Using technology supplied by QinetiQ, two Royal Navy helicopter crews successfully exchanged control of a UAS while in flight.
-
![Leonardo wins Canadian helicopter upgrade programme]()
Leonardo wins Canadian helicopter upgrade programme
The upgrade contract will ensure that the Candian helicopters are compliant with future technological requirements.
-
![Guatemala receives Bell Subaru helicopters]()
Guatemala receives Bell Subaru helicopters
The latest version of the Bell 412 helicopter has improved performance and weight capacity and will support Guatemala in various missions.
-
![Algeria expresses interest in AW249 while AW139 deal remains in limbo]()
Algeria expresses interest in AW249 while AW139 deal remains in limbo
Leonardo and Algeria hope to seal the AW139 deal in 2023 while Italy and the North African country further strengthen defence ties.
-
![Nigeria to receive new attack helicopters]()
Nigeria to receive new attack helicopters
The Nigerian Air Force is to receive more than 50 attack air assets to strengthen its ability to fight insecurity within its borders.
-
![Royal Navy upgrades Merlin helicopters]()
Royal Navy upgrades Merlin helicopters
The Royal Navy's amphibious helicopters have received an improved defensive aid suit and Merlin pilots can now train in a synthetic training environment.
