US Navy orders Sikorsky heavylift helicopters
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, will build twelve production CH-53K King Stallion helicopters under a new USD 1.13 billion contract from the US Navy. Under the terms of the contract, known as low rate initial production (LRIP) lot 2 and 3, Sikorsky will begin deliveries of the helicopters in 2022, and also provide spares and logistical support.
The CH-53K is the most powerful heavylift helicopter ever built in the USA, and is the only sea-based, long range, heavylift helicopter in production. It will immediately provide a lift capacity of more than 16 t, three times the lift capability of its predecessor.
The CH-53K will conduct expeditionary heavylift transport of armoured vehicles, equipment, and personnel to support distributed operations deep inland from a sea-based operation centre. (ah)