Jay Stephanie, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, development and procurement, signed a memo, confirming, that a move to higher performance was appropriate, based on helicopter test results, as well as the cost of the program and the capabilities of the production line.
In a statement by Marine Colonel Keith Flieger, Naval Heavy Helicopter Program Manager, states, that the service has successfully demonstrated the performance and reliability of this aircraft.
With FRP, we will continue to rely on strong manufacturing, functional, which were adopted for the CH-53K - added Kate Flieger.
Sikorsky, helicopter manufacturer, He stated, that is already sourcing long lead times and critical materials to support this increase in productivity at its Connecticut facility. Its supplier base includes more than 200 companies in 35 states.
Scaling up production of one of the most technologically advanced helicopters in the world allows the US Marine Corps to grow its CH-53K King Stallion fleet and maintain mission success. This manufacturing approval stabilizes Sikorsky's internal supply chain and is a testament to our strong partnership with the Marine Corps.. Bill Falk said, director of Sikorsky for the CH-53K program.
department, through Lockheed Martin, awarded Sikorsky six low-budget initial production contracts 42 helicopters. The service has already signed long-term contracts for the following installments. At the moment, the first two batches are in the stage of full-scale production..
According to US Navy budget documents, The Marine Corps intends to purchase 10 helicopters in 2023 year, 15 at 2024 year and then continue to buy annually at 21 unit.
The USMC in April announced the initial operational readiness of the helicopter, which means, that the service has sufficient training, logistics and spare parts to support the first deployment of this aircraft. This first deployment is planned for 2024 year.
In total, the Marines intend to purchase 200 CH-53K, maintaining the production line at least up to 2032 of the year.
The helicopter itself was developed in 2015 year. Crew – to 5 human. Total passenger capacity – 55 human (2 airborne platoon), maximum flight speed – 344 kmh, range of flight – to 850 km, ceiling – 4,9 km. Author:The same Mikhail
