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.
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