Sikorsky to increase production of technologically advanced CH-53K King Stallion helicopters for US Marine Corps

Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, is preparing to ramp up production of the CH-53K King Stallion helicopter. The first of the new batch will be delivered by the end of this year.

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Sikorsky representatives said that the CH-53 King Stallion is the most technologically advanced helicopter in the world. Israel has already agreed to buy 12 helicopters, and the company has 15 potential customers in Asia, Europe and the Middle East, but the main customer is the US Marine Corps.

Sikorsky has handed over nine CH-53 King Stallion helicopters to the Marines, including four units in 2022. Late last year, the US Navy authorized the company to begin full-scale production. Sikorsky wants to increase production to two helicopters a month over the next few years.

Seven CH-53 King Stallion helicopters will be assembled at the Connecticut plant. The first one is scheduled for delivery by the end of this month. The Marine Corps is requesting funds to order 15 helicopters for 2024, and the service wants to buy 200 aircraft in total.

Sikorsky has received an order from Israel for 12 + 8 units. If foreign demand for the CH-53 King Stallion increases, the company will try to ramp up production to three helicopters per month or 36 per year.

Source: Janes