The latest contract award lowers aircraft cost and sets up savings on future production helicopters
29 July 2021: Sikorsky is all set to build nine CH-53K heavy lift helicopters under an extended contract for the US Navy. Post this; the US Navy has also signed an agreement for the next production contract at an even lower unit price to be exercised no later than February 2022. The deliveries for these nine helicopters will begin in 2024. This contract is an extension of a 200 aircraft Program of Record for the US Marine Corps.
Bill Falk, Sikorsky CH-53K program director said, “Our aggressive focus on quality and affordability and strong government-industry partnership has successfully reduced the aircraft price. We look forward to expanding our digital-build and production and delivering this advanced heavy lift aircraft as quickly as possible to the Marine Corps, joint force, and our allies. Our nationwide network of suppliers is contributing to cost reduction efforts and this award will continue our collaboration, realizing even more efficiencies.”
Since October 2020, Sikorsky has delivered three operational CH-53K King Stallion heavy lift helicopters to the US Marine Corps in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
“The delivery of three CH-53K King Stallion helicopters is significant in that it continues the training process for the Marines, ensuring a smooth entry into service for this intelligent aircraft that offers dramatic improvements in performance, survivability, reliability and maintenance for the Marines 21st century missions,” added Falk.
The CH-53K will further support the US Marine Corps in its mission to conduct expeditionary heavy-lift assault transport of armored vehicles, equipment and personnel to support distributed operations deep inland from a sea-based center of operations, critical in the Indo-Pacific region.
