The US Navy has officially awarded Sikorsky a significant contract valued at approximately $10.9 billion for the delivery of up to 99 advanced CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopters, intended for use by the US Marine Corps. This contract guarantees a steady production schedule for the helicopters, slated for delivery between 2029 and 2034, and it plays a crucial role in sustaining thousands of jobs within Sikorsky and its extensive supply chain throughout the United States.
The new arrangement consolidates five separate aircraft orders, now referred to as Lots 9 through 13, into a long-term multi-year procurement strategy. This ensures not only price stability but also a reliable flow of materials from a vast network of 267 CH-53K suppliers located in 37 states across the country, along with 17 suppliers from eight international locations.
Rich Benton, vice president and general manager of Sikorsky, commented on the significance of the multi-year contract, highlighting its potential to foster a more efficient partnership with the Department of the Navy. This collaboration is aimed at driving long-term affordability and optimizing production efficiencies while stabilizing the supply chain and workforce. Such measures are crucial for ensuring that the Marines maintain a strategic advantage in an increasingly dynamic operational environment.
The CH-53K King Stallion is engineered to address the modern battlefield lift requirements of the US Marine Corps, effectively replacing the aging CH-53E Super Stallion, which has been in operation since 1981. The new rotorcraft boasts a lift capacity of 36,000 pounds (16,329 kilograms), which is approximately three times greater than that of its predecessor. Its operational radius spans 110 nautical miles (approximately 126 miles or 203 kilometers) and includes mid-air refueling capabilities, allowing it to effectively conduct missions over extended distances.
The CH-53K’s cabin has been designed with added dimensions, being 30 centimeters (12 inches) wider than the CH-53E, enabling it to transport more personnel or cargo in fewer trips. Furthermore, the helicopter’s cruise speed of 170 knots (196 miles or 315 kilometers per hour) is 20 knots (23 miles or 37 kilometers per hour) faster than that of the Super Stallion.
Full-rate production for the CH-53K program was officially declared in 2022, with an overarching goal of inducting a total of 200 helicopters into service. Currently, the US Marine Corps has successfully transitioned one fleet squadron to operate the CH-53K, and it also maintains CH-53K aircraft within one developmental test squadron, one operational test squadron, and one training squadron to meet its operational needs.
The CH-53K is designed with versatility in mind, capable of transporting troops, supplies, and heavy equipment across contested environments while ensuring crew and cargo survivability. Col. Kate Fleeger, Program Manager of the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopter Program Office (PMA-261), emphasized that this contract stands as a significant achievement for the entire CH-53K team. She noted that consolidating purchase orders from suppliers will allow Sikorsky to secure better pricing, ultimately enabling the government to benefit from savings while ensuring dependable delivery timelines as the transition from the CH-53E to the newer CH-53K progresses.
