STRATFORD, Conn., May 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky, a Lockheed
Martin company (NYSE: LMT) will build 12 production CH-53K King
Stallion helicopters under a new $1.13
billion contract from the U.S. Navy. These advanced
helicopters are part of the 200 program of record aircraft for the
U.S. Marine Corps.
Under the terms of the contract, known as Low Rate Initial
Production (LRIP) Lot 2 and 3, Sikorsky will begin deliveries of 12
CH-53K helicopters in 2022, and also provide spares and logistical
support. Sikorsky remains committed to continuing to reduce costs
over the life of the program. Read the Navy's announcement.
"I'm proud of the joint government and industry team in
achieving this award," said Col. Jack
Perrin, U.S. Marine Corps program manager for the Naval Air
Systems Command's Heavy Lift Helicopters program, PMA-261.
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. The CH-53K will 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 new CH-53K will have heavy-lift
capabilities that exceed all other DoD rotary wing-platforms and it
is the only heavy lifter that will remain in production through
2032 and beyond.
"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."
Lockheed Martin, 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, we have installed more than eight new
titanium machining centers, designed and implemented a new final
assembly test facility with multi-floor ergonomic work platforms,
installed 10-ton cranes, and now have 3D work instructions on the
factory floor.
"We have transformed our factory for the future and implemented
a model for all future helicopter programs," Falk said.
"Additionally, our engineers have implemented the latest
technologies such as manufacturing simulation and 3D laser
inspection technology. These investments in systems, personnel, and
our facilities have elevated Sikorsky's manufacturing technology
and capabilities to meet production requirements of the CH-53K for
domestic and international customers."
King Stallion Progress Update
The all-new CH-53K, designed to be intelligent, reliable, low
maintenance and survivable in the most difficult
conditions, has flown more than 1,400 test hours and has met
all the outer reaches of the test envelope. The King Stallion is in
the midst of a rigorous test program to ensure militaries can
safely move troops and equipment at higher altitudes, quicker and
more effectively than ever.
The CH-53K, which has proven it can lift more than 36,000
pounds, is the most powerful heavy lift helicopter ever built in
the United States. The King
Stallion's technologically advanced design will meet the future
warfighting requirements for decades to come, enabling missions
like humanitarian aid, troop and equipment transport, casualty
evacuation (CASEVAC), support of special operations forces, and
combat search and rescue (CSAR).
View the video highlighting CH-53K
progress.
View the infographic for an
overview of the CH-53K.
Accomplishments to date include: high altitude, hot
temperature, and degraded visual environment flights, maximum
weight single-point cargo hook sling load of 36,000 pounds (16,329
kilograms); forward flight speed of over 200 knots; 60 degrees
angle of bank turns; altitude of 18,500 feet mean sea level (MSL);
12-degree slope landings and takeoffs; external load auto-jettison;
and gunfire testing.
For additional information, visit www.ch-53k.com.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda,
Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace
company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is
principally engaged in the research, design, development,
manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology
systems, products and services.
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SOURCE Sikorsky