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CH-53K King Stallion
There are 15 images added between 28 February 2012 and 17 May 2018
Maiden Flight: 27 October 2015
Total Production: 200
Unitary Cost: USD$128 million
Total Cost: USD$26 billion
Also Known As: CH-53X and HLR
Corporations: Aurora Flight Sciences (main rotor pylon), Exelis (tail rotor pylon and sponsons), GKN Aerospace (aft transition), Rockwell Collins (glass cockpit), Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation* and Spirit AeroSystems (cockpit and cabin) (*) lead contractor
Parent System: H-53 Sea Stallion
Family Members: CH-53D Sea Stallion, CH-53E Super Stallion and MH-53J Pave Low III
Description: The Sikorsky H-53 program was born to meet the requirements of the US Marine Corps (USMC) for a heavy-lift transport helicopter suitable for shipboard operations. Its primary mission is to transport supplies, troops and equipment in support of amphibious and shore operations. The program was launched in the early 1960s with the CH-53A Sea Stallion achieving initial operational capability (IOC) in November 1966. The CH-53D Sea Stallion is an improved variant of CH-53A. The CH-53A/D models are powered by two General Electric T64 turboshaft engines and feature a six-bladed main rotor. The CH-53D is powered by two T64-GE-413 engines rated at 3,935-shp each. In addition to A and D models for the USMC, Sikorsky also developed the HH-53B/C/H variant for the US Air Force and the RH-53D Airborne MineCountermeasures (AMCM) for the US Navy. The US Air Force H-53 aircraft led to the development of the MH-53J Pave Low III.
The US Marine Corps Heavy Lift Replacement (HLR) program was launched for the development and production of 156 new-built helicopters derived from the CH-53E Super Stallion. The HLR program started in 2004 with an initial risk reduction contract award to Sikorsky. According to the USMC plans the first HLR test aircraft should be delivered to the Corps in 2014. The intended HLR/CH-53X helicopter features upgraded engines, improved rotor blades, new avionics, new rotorhead, improved survivability, and longer service life than Super Stallion. Based on the CH-53E Super Stallion the CH-53X will nearly double to 27,000 pounds over 110 nautical miles. The aircraft's maximum gross weight will increase to 84,700 pounds.
On April 5, 2006 Sikorsky received a $3 billion contract from the United States Marine Corps for the CH-53K, previously known as the CH-53X, heavy-lift helicopter System Development and Demonstration (SDD). Work was to be centered at Stratford facility, Connecticut, with the SDD completion expected by December 2015. In late June 2006, Sikorsky Aircraft announced the Rockwell Collins selection to provide the CH-53K avionics management system (AMS). AMS consists of five fully integrated active matrix liquid crystal multifunction displays (MFD), dual integrated processing cabinets (IPC), dual control display units (CDU), and dual data transfer units (DTU). On May 5, 2014, the CH-53K was revealed as the King Stallion. The first CH-53K King Stallions are planned to achieve initial operational capability within the USMC by 2019.
CH-53K King Stallion Applications
Fighting Ships LCS Independence LHA 6 America LHA 8
CH-53K King Stallion Specifications
Main Rotor Blades: 7
Tail Rotor Blades: 4
Max Range: 110 nautical mile (127 mile)
Max Takeoff Weight: 74,000 pound (33.6 ton)
Max Takeoff Weight with External Load: 88,000 pound
Payload: 27,000 pound (12.2 ton)
CH-53K King Stallion News
5 Apr 2006 and 17 May 2019
Friday, May 17, 2019US Navy Orders 12 Lot II and Lot III Lor-Rate Initial Production CH-53K Helicopters
Wednesday, May 16, 2018US Marine Corps Takes Delivery of First CH-53K King Stallion Helicopter
Wednesday, March 7, 2018CH-53K Helicopter Achieves Lift of 36,000-lb External Load
Tuesday, February 13, 2018US Navy Places Order for Seven Lot III CH-53K Helicopters
Thursday, November 16, 2017US Navy Orders 22 Lot 1 and Lot 2 T408-GE-400 Engines
Saturday, October 28, 2017US Marine Corps Seeking Smaller Rocket Artillery System
Thursday, August 31, 2017US Navy Orders Two CH-53K Lot I Low Rate Initial Production Helicopters
Friday, October 21, 2016US Marine Corps CH-53K King Stallion Passes Initial Operational Testing
Friday, September 23, 2016US Marine Corps Orders Two Additional CH-53K King Stallion Helicopters
Tuesday, April 26, 2016US Marine Corps CH-53K King Stallion Lifts First External Load
In 2010 the program scope increased from 156 to 200 aircraft
Grand Total 2001
T408-GE-400x3
LSVx1