Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion

CH-53K King Stallion
A CH-53K prepares to land at Sikorsky Aircraft
Role	Heavy-lift cargo helicopter
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Sikorsky Aircraft
First flight	27 October 2015
Introduction	planned for 2018
Status	In development
Primary user	United States Marine Corps
Program cost	US$25.335 billion (FY2015)
Unit cost	US$92.796 million (FY15) US$126.677M (with R&D)
Developed from	Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion

The Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion is a large, heavy-lift cargo helicopter currently being developed by Sikorsky Aircraft for the United States Marine Corps (USMC). The design features three 7,500 shp (5,590 kW) engines, new composite rotor blades, and a wider aircraft cabin than previous CH-53 variants. It will be the largest and heaviest helicopter in the U.S. military. The USMC plans to receive 200 helicopters at a total cost of $25 billion. Ground Test Vehicle (GTV) testing started in April 2014; flight testing began with the maiden flight on 27 October 2015.

The CH-53 was the product of the US Marine Corps' "Heavy Helicopter Experimental" (HH(X)) competition begun in 1962. Sikorsky's S-65 was selected over Boeing Vertol's modified CH-47 Chinook version. The prototype YCH-53A first flew on 14 October 1964. The helicopter was designated "CH-53A Sea Stallion" and delivery of production helicopters began in 1966. The CH-53A is equipped with T64-GE-6 shaft turbine and has a max gross weight of 46,000 lb (20,865 kg).

Variants of the original CH-53A Sea Stallion include the RH-53A/D, HH-53B/C, CH-53D, CH-53G, and MH-53H/J/M. The RH-53A and RH-53D were used by the United States Navy for minesweeping. The CH-53D included a more powerful version of the General Electric T64 engine, used in all H-53 variants, and external fuel tanks. The US Air Force's HH-53B/C "Super Jolly Green Giant" were for special operations and combat rescue. The Air Force's MH-53H/J/M Pave Low helicopters were the last of the twin engined H-53s and were equipped with extensive avionics upgrades for all weather operation.