US Marine Corps receives seventh heavy lift Sikorsky CH-53K helicopter

News, US July 17, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. aircraft manufacturer Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Company, delivered a seventh CH-53K Helicopter to the U.S. Marine Corps.

The CH‑53K’s heavy-lift capabilities exceed all other U.S. Department of Defense rotary wing platforms. It is the only heavy-lift helicopter that will remain in production through 2032 and beyond, Lockheed Martin’s statement highlighted.

According to the statement, The “CH-53K heavy lift helicopter joins the six in operation at Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The CH-53K is the only sea-based, long range, heavy lift helicopter in production and will immediately provide three times the lift capability of its predecessor.”

Director of the CH-53K program at Sikorsky, Bill Falk said: “This Connecticut-built CH-53K aircraft is a credit to our employees and their skills embracing digital tools and other advanced technologies to continue the Sikorsky legacy of building modern, safe, reliable rotorcraft. Our nationwide supply chain supports the active production line as we prepare to deliver two more CH-53K helicopters later this year. We look forward to continuing our progress toward next year’s full rate production decision.”

Earlier in 2022, Sikorsky reached a contract with Israel to build 12 CH-53K heavy lift helicopters under a U.S. Navy Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement. The signed letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) between the United States and Israel states the first deliveries of the baseline aircraft are planned for 2025.

*^{CH-53K King Stallion picks up a tactical vehicle during Exercise Potomac Restore on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 10, 2022. (Image Credit: U.S. Marine Corps/Sgt. Rachel K. Young)}*

The CH-53K helicopters will replace Israel’s CH-53D Yasur helicopters, which have been in the Israeli Air Force’s inventory for over 50 years. “The all-new CH-53K delivers modern state-of-the-art capabilities that result in improved survivability, safety, and reduced aircrew workload over its predecessor, making it the perfect fit for the demanding IAF mission,” the statement added.

Separately on July 12, Lockheed Martin also delivered the first Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) M270A2 launcher system to the U.S. Army.

According to Vice president of Precision Fires for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Jay Price, “This delivery represents a significant milestone for Lockheed Martin as the modernized system will support the Army and allied partners for decades to come. Our award-winning Camden facility continues to produce world-class vehicles, and this newest M270A2 launcher will continue our legacy of combat-proven reliability.”

The M270A2 is a Joint All Domain Operations (JADO) enabling, heavy-tracked mobile launcher, transportable via C-17 and C-5 aircraft. The launcher and its munitions are designed to enable soldiers to support the joint fight by engaging and defeating artillery, air defense concentrations, trucks, light armor, and personnel carriers at greater distances. The enhanced MLRS M270A2 launcher can also engage and relocate at high speed, dramatically reducing an enemy’s ability to locate the system.