Sikorsky has received a $1.13 billion contract from the U.S. Navy to build 12 CH-53K King Stallion helicopters.
Under the terms of the contract, Sikorsky will begin deliveries of the helicopters in 2022 and also provide spares and logistical support. These advanced helicopters are designed to conduct expeditionary heavy-lift transport of armored vehicles, equipment and personnel to support distributed operations deep inland from a sea-based center of operations. The helicopters are part of the 200 aircraft being built by the Stratford-based Sikorsky for the U.S. Marine Corps.
Sikorsky stated that the new CH-53K will have heavy-lift capabilities that exceed all other Department of Defense rotary wing-platforms and it is the only heavy lifter that will remain in production through 2032.
“Sikorsky employees and our nationwide supply chain are ready to ramp up CH-53K production to support deployment of this modern, safe and reliable aircraft in 2023-2024,” said Sikorsky Program Director Bill Falk. “This contract demonstrates the U.S. Marine Corps’ confidence in Sikorsky to expand production of this technologically advanced heavy lift helicopter.”
