Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, has been granted a contract by the U.S. Navy. This agreement encompasses 12 Lot 7 aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps, 15 Lot 8 aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps, and eight aircraft designated for Israel. The delivery of these aircraft by Sikorsky is set to commence in 2026.

This contract marks a significant step forward for both Sikorsky and the U.S. Navy, propelling them toward a multi-year agreement and the Marine Corps Program of Record for 200 aircraft.

An Additional Eight CH-53K Special Operations Helicopters for the Israeli Air Force

Included within this contract award are eight extra CH-53K helicopters for the Israeli Air Force. This decision follows the initial production announcement in 2022 for the first four aircraft, as part of a U.S. Navy Foreign Military Sales (FMS) arrangement.

The versatile CH-53K helicopter is designed to support Israeli special operations initiatives while offering the Israeli Defense Forces a platform that combines speed, safety, survivability, and substantial weight capacity. These attributes enable the helicopter to perform a wide range of tasks, including troop and cargo transportation, as well as search and rescue missions.

Emphasis on Full Rate Production

In December 2022, the U.S. Navy officially declared Full Rate Production for the CH-53K program. This declaration is anticipated to result in an annual production output of over 20 helicopters in the upcoming years.

Sikorsky is taking steps to procure essential materials and long-lead items in order to facilitate the acceleration of CH-53K production within its digital factory.

Dana Fiatarone, Vice President of Sikorsky Marine Corps Systems, highlighted, "Our skilled employees are employing digital tools to enhance efficiency as these helicopters roll off the production line and enter service with the Marines. The CH-53K's performance in the field underscores its capacity to provide a strategic advantage, illustrating that there is even more potential within this aircraft."

Milestones Achieved by the CH-53K in Marine Corps Operations

The CH-53K helicopters utilized by the U.S. Marines have achieved several milestones:

• U.S. Marines surpassed 1,000 operational flight hours in the CH-53K.
• Successful completion of the second sea trial for the CH-53K.
• Transfer of supplies from KC-130 aircraft into a CH-53K by U.S. Marines.

The CH-53K: A Multi-Mission Heavy-Lift Helicopter

The CH-53K is a versatile helicopter with substantial heavy-lift capabilities, surpassing other rotary wing aircraft in the U.S. Department of Defense. It is the sole heavy-lift helicopter slated for production until 2032 and beyond. Notably, the CH-53K can carry an external load of 27,000 pounds over a distance of 110 nautical miles under high/hot conditions. This capacity is more than three times that of the legacy CH-53E aircraft under similar conditions.

Designed for expeditionary assault transport of armored vehicles, equipment, and personnel, the CH-53K is integral to supporting operations far from a sea-based center in regions like the Indo-Pacific. With its digitally engineered framework, the CH-53K is adaptable for various operations, encompassing humanitarian aid, firefighting, and search and rescue missions. This recent contract, valued at $2.7 billion, will result in the construction and delivery of an additional 35 CH-53K helicopters, marking the largest procurement of this versatile aircraft thus far.

Paul Lemmo, President of Sikorsky, emphasized, "This contract award for 35 CH-53K helicopters ensures stability in Sikorsky's nationwide supply network, enhances production efficiency, and equips the U.S. Marine Corps with state-of-the-art 21st century technologies. Our longstanding partnership has led to this contract award that offers the capability and readiness essential for the Marines."

Source:news.lockheedmartin.com

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