Lockheed Martin company Sikorsky is to build 12 production CH-53K King Stallion helicopters under a new $1.13 billion contract from the US Navy.
Sikorsky will begin deliveries of the helicopters in 2022; it will also provide spares and logistical support.
The CH-53K is the only sea-based long-range heavy-lift helicopter in production, providing three-times the lift capability of its predecessor.
Indeed, its heavy-lift capabilities exceed all other DoD (Department of Defence) rotary-wing platforms, and it is the only ‘heavy lifter’ that will remain in production through to 2032 and beyond.
Sikorsky programme director Bill Falk said (
www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/capabilities/sikorsky.html): “Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky and its suppliers have made significant investments in facilities, machinery, tooling and workforce training to ramp up the production required for the
CH-53K programme.
"For example, we have installed more than eight new titanium machining centres, designed and implemented a new final-assembly test facility with multi-floor ergonomic work platforms, and installed 10-tonne cranes — and we now have ‘3-D work instructions’ on the factory floor.
“We have transformed our factory for the future and implemented a model for all future helicopter programmes.
“Additionally, our engineers have implemented the latest technologies such as manufacturing simulation and 3-D laser inspection technology.”