CH-53K King Stallion

The CH‑53K King Stallion, developed by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, is the U.S. Navy’s newest heavy‑lift cargo helicopter and a direct evolution of the legendary CH‑53 series that first flew in the 1960s. Program inception began in 2006 when the Marine Corps issued a requirement to replace the aging CH‑53E Super Stallion. After years of testing and redesign, the first flight occurred in October 2015, and full‑rate production was approved in 2022. The King Stallion incorporates three GTF‑700 turboshaft engines delivering 7,500 shaft‑horsepower each, a composite six‑blade main rotor, and a modern digital fly‑by‑wire flight‑control system, giving it a 35 percent increase in payload capacity—up to 36,000 pounds—and a 25‑percent greater range compared with its predecessor. Advanced avionics, health‑monitoring systems, and corrosion‑resistant materials reduce maintenance and extend mission readiness. Its ability to lift heavy equipment such as an M1A1 tank or deliver disaster‑relief supplies makes it a critical asset for the Marine Corps, Navy, and allied forces. The CH‑53K’s unprecedented lift capability reshapes vertical‑lift logistics, reinforcing the strategic mobility and expeditionary reach of modern armed forces. It is slated to reach full operational capability by the mid‑2020s, ensuring the United States maintains a decisive advantage in heavy‑lift and amphibious operations worldwide.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

CH-53K King Stallion

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