U.S. Navy Awards Sikorsky Contract to Build Six More CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopters

Rhea-AI Summary

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), has secured a contract to produce six additional CH-53K King Stallion helicopters for the U.S. Navy, increasing total production under contract to 24 units. Deliveries are set to begin in January 2024. The contract reflects confidence in the CH-53K platform, aimed at enhancing the Marine Corps' heavy-lift capabilities. The aircraft has flown over 2,000 hours, demonstrating performance in various environments, with key milestones such as air-to-air refueling achieved this year.

Positive

• Secured contract for six additional CH-53K helicopters, totaling 24 under contract.
• Deliveries to commence in January 2024, indicating strong future revenue.
• Demonstrated successful flight performance with over 2,000 hours logged.

Negative

• None.

STRATFORD, Conn., Oct. 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT) will build six additional production CH-53K King Stallion helicopters under a new contract for the U.S. Navy. The aircraft 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.

The six helicopters are part of 200 aircraft Program of Record for the U.S. Marine Corps, and their addition makes a total of 24 CH-53K production aircraft now under contract. Under the terms of this most recent contract – known as Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Lot 4 – Sikorsky will begin deliveries of the six aircraft in January 2024.

"This contract award is a testament to the government's confidence in the CH-53K platform. This award shows that we are working hard to make the aircraft more affordable," said Major General Greg Masiello, program executive office, air ASW, assault and special mission programs. "The capability and affordability of the CH-53K is important to ensure that we provide a valuable addition to the United States Marine Corps and our friends and allies."

King Stallion Production Marches Ahead

The CH-53K program has five aircraft on the line at Sikorsky facilities in Connecticut and over  two dozen in various stages of production. The program will deliver the first low rate initial production aircraft in September 2021.

Sikorsky and its suppliers have made significant investments in facilities, machinery, tooling, and workforce training to ramp up production required for the CH-53K program. For example, for the first time, newly installed 10-ton cranes lifted a 12,000 lb. gearbox into a CH-53K production aircraft.

"The production of this CH-53K helicopter represents a new era in capabilities, technologies, safety and mission flexibility for the U.S. Marine Corps. Sikorsky is committed to supporting the Marine Corps to maximize the benefits of this all new helicopter," said Bill Falk, Sikorsky CH-53K program director.

"Pilots are already training on state-of-the art flight training devices to prepare in a safe, cost-effective manner for operational deployment," Falk said.

CH-53K Proving Capabilities

The CH-53K is also nearing the conclusion of the developmental flight test events in preparation for Initial Operational Test & Evaluation (IOT&E), having flown more than 2,000 flight hours validating the aircraft's performance on a ship and in both hot and cold environments. This year, the aircraft completed:

• Air-to-air refueling with an external load
• Initial sea trials
• Flight tests in extremely hot and dusty conditions at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Arizona

Other accomplishments include:

• Maximum weight single-point cargo hook sling load of 36,000 pounds (16,329 kilograms)
• Forward flight speed of over 150 knots
• 60-degree angle-of-bank turns
• Altitude of 18,500 feet mean sea level (MSL)
• 12-degree slope landings and takeoffs
• External load auto-jettison
• Gunfire testing

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 110,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com.

Please follow @LMNews on Twitter for the latest announcements and news across the corporation.

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SOURCE Lockheed Martin Corporation

FAQ

What is the recent contract awarded to Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky regarding the CH-53K?

Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky has been awarded a contract to produce six additional CH-53K helicopters for the U.S. Navy.

When will deliveries of the new CH-53K helicopters start?

Deliveries of the new CH-53K helicopters are set to begin in January 2024.

How many CH-53K helicopters are now under contract with the U.S. Navy?

A total of 24 CH-53K helicopters are now under contract with the U.S. Navy.

What performance milestones has the CH-53K helicopter achieved?

The CH-53K helicopter has achieved over 2,000 flight hours and successfully completed air-to-air refueling and initial sea trials.

Is the CH-53K program expanding production capabilities?

Yes, Sikorsky has made significant investments in facilities and training to ramp up production for the CH-53K program.