CH-5K crew is smarter, equipped to make faster decisions with increased reliability, and improved readiness.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, is set to build nine additional CH-53k aircraft for US Marine Corps as a part of 200 aircraft Program of Record at a lower unit price than previous lot buyers. This will result in significant savings for the U.S. government and taxpayers. The deliveries of the nine helicopters will start by 2025.The aircraft will be built at Sikorsky headquarters in Stratford, Connecticut, leveraging their digital build and advanced technology production processes.
The CH-53K will further support the U.S. 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.
Bill Falk, Sikorsky Director, CH-53K programs, said, “By embracing resilient, predictive logistics and sustainment, we are enabling CH-5K crews to make smarter, faster decisions, to increase reliability, and improve readiness and material availability at a reduced burden to the fleet. After 50 years of supporting the CH-53E, Sikorsky has a deep understanding of the heavy-lift mission and an enduring partnership with the U.S. Marines Corps enabling our team and our proven supply chain to offer tailored solutions resulting in more efficient missions.”
Sikorsky has made significant investments in workforce training, tooling, and machinery to increase the number of aircraft built and delivered year over year. In total, Sikorsky has delivered five operational CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopters to the U.S. Marine Corps in Jacksonville, North Carolina, with four more planned for delivery this year.
The CH-53K aircraft is equipped with Integrated Vehicle Health Management System (IVHMS), which will transition the U.S. Marines from fixed interval to on-condition maintenance resulting in lower maintenance crew hours, reduced life cycle costs, and increased aircraft readiness.
Lockheed Martin is working with the U.S. Navy on a performance-based logistics contract that expands from the CH-53E to add the CH-53K with a contract award expected this year.
