The United States Navy has just announced that the Sikorsky CH-53K helicopter has reached full production, likely leading to an annual increase in more than 20 helicopters.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, procures long-term items and critical materials to support the construction of full-rate CH-53K helicopters at its digital factory.
“Increasing production of the world’s most technologically advanced helicopter allows the US Marine Corps to build its CH-53K King Stallion fleet and support mission success,” said Bill Falk, Sikorsky CH-53K Program Director.
“This production authorization stabilizes Sikorsky’s domestic supply chain and is a testament to our enduring partnership with the Marine Corps.”
Milestone benefits over 200 CH-53K suppliers nationwide
The confidence of over 200 CH-53K suppliers in 35 states was a key factor in the decision to ramp up production to full speed. Suppliers will be able to make bulk purchases in response to the Marine Corps CH-53K order, leading to cost savings for the United States and its allies.
The Marines have settled on a 200-aircraft acquisition goal. Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the CH-53K helicopter was announced by the US Marine Corps in April 2022, certifying the chopper’s readiness to deploy Marines and equipment worldwide.
The CH-53K is the only heavy-lift helicopter that will continue to be produced after 2032. It is also a multi-mission helicopter with heavy-lift capabilities that exceed all other rotary-wing aircraft used by the US Department of Defense.
More than three times as much external payload as the previous generation CH-53E aircraft, the CH-53K can fly over 110 nautical miles in high/hot conditions with a weight of 27 tonnes.
If you need to conduct distributed inland operations from a sea-based operations center, the CH-53K King Stallion can get you and your troops there safely and quickly.
The aircraft design is made digitally and available in the market, allowing various operations, such as humanitarian aid, firefighting, and search and rescue.
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