The U.S. Navy has awarded Sikorsky Aircraft Corp a $55 million modification for long lead items in support of low rate production of four CH-53K helicopters.
The CH-53K King Stallion is considered the most powerful helicopter in the U.S. military and is being acquired to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion.
King Stallion passed the Defense Acquisition Board assessment and was approved to begin low-rate initial production on April 4, 2017.
U.S. Marines expect to have a complete CH-53K fleet by 2030.
According to Lockheed Martin, the CH-53K can carry a 12.200 kg/27,000 lb external load over 204 km /110 nautical miles in high/hot conditions (33°C/91.5°F at an altitude of 914m/3,000 feet), which is more than triple the external load carrying capacity of the CH-53E aircraft.
Sikorsky will perform work on the contract in Stratford, Connecticut, and is expected to complete it in March 2022.