The US Navy has secured help from Home authorizers for the acquisition of 37 CH-53K heavy helicopters, together with their T408 engines, for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. This backing got here by means of a legislative request, enabling the Navy to maneuver ahead with not simply the helicopters but additionally as much as 350 T408 engines. They intention to finish this acquisition by the tip of fiscal 2029.
These new CH-53K helicopters are slated to interchange the older CH-53E fashions, finally turning into the first heavy-lift helicopter for the US Marine Corps. In response to monetary analysts, these mixed acquisitions for the helicopters and engines are projected to avoid wasting roughly $261 million all through the multi-year contracts proposed.
The Marine Corps has now adjusted its timeline, anticipating the preliminary deployment of the CH-53K to start in FY26. This marks a one-year delay from earlier plans, permitting the service to construct a strong stock of spare elements and help tools.
Considerably higher
The CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter developed by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin firm, for the US Marine Corps. It’s designed to interchange the older CH-53E Tremendous Stallion and affords vital enhancements in phrases of raise capability, vary, and operational effectivity.
One of many standout technical traits of the CH-53K is its spectacular raise functionality. The helicopter can carry a most exterior load of 36,000 kilos [16,330 kg], which is sort of 3 times the capability of its predecessor. It has a most gross weight of 88,000 kilos [39,916 kg] and may transport as much as 27,000 kilos [12,247 kg] over a mission radius of 110 nautical miles [203 km].
The CH-53K is provided with superior avionics that improve its operational capabilities. These embrace a completely built-in glass cockpit with touch-screen shows, fly-by-wire flight controls, and superior navigation programs. The avionics suite additionally incorporates a Digital Automated Flight Management System [DAFCS] that improves stability and dealing with, particularly in difficult environments.
Reducing-edge applied sciences
When it comes to tools, the CH-53K is outfitted with three Normal Electrical T408-GE-400 turboshaft engines, every producing 7,500 shaft horsepower. These highly effective engines allow the helicopter to realize a prime pace of 170 knots [315 km/h] and a service ceiling of 18,500 ft [5,640 meters]. The helicopter additionally has a complicated rotor system with composite blades that present elevated raise and sturdiness.
The CH-53K incorporates a number of cutting-edge applied sciences to reinforce its efficiency and survivability. These embrace composite supplies for weight discount and elevated energy, in addition to superior corrosion-resistant coatings. The helicopter additionally incorporates a triple-redundant fly-by-wire system, which reinforces security and reliability by offering a number of backup programs in the occasion of a failure.
When it comes to armament, the CH-53K will be outfitted with varied defensive programs to guard in opposition to threats. These embrace chaff and flare dispensers, missile warning programs, and infrared countermeasure programs. Whereas the first function of the CH-53K is cargo transport, it can be fitted with door-mounted machine weapons for self-defense throughout operations in hostile environments.
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