Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has given a contract valued at over $300 million to Sikorsky Aircraft for the production of two CH-53K King Stallion helicopters.
“I am proud of what the team has negotiated to bring this remarkable and unrivaled helicopter one step closer to the fleet,” said Col Hank Vanderborght, program manager for NAVAIR’s Heavy Lift Helicopters program, PMA-261.
“This contract will benefit our Marine Corps’ ‘heavy lifters’ for decades to come,” said Vanderborght. “Future Marines, not even born yet, will be flying this helicopter well into the future.”
Initial deliveries from Lot 1 are expected to begin in 2020. The CH-53K is a new-build helicopter that evolved from the design of its predecessor, the CH-53E Super Stallion. Improvements with the King Stallion include increased operational capability, interoperability, reliability, maintainability, survivability and decreased cost of ownership. – NAVAIR News
Featured image by U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (Navair)
