CH-53K 'King Stallion'

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SEAPOWER Magazine Online

Sikorsky was planning for the first flight in late 2014, but the testing of the Ground Test Vehicle (GTV), a full-scale CH-53K secured to the ground, “has been slower than expected, said Marine Col Hank Vanderborght, the Navy’s program manager for the CH-53.

The CH-53K, named the King Stallion during its roll-out ceremonies May 5 at the Sikorsky Florida Assemble and Flight Operations Facility in West Palm Beach, Fla., is to be the replacement for the CH-53E Super Stallion. The CH-53K looks similar to the CH-53E, but is an almost total redesign of the older type. It is equipped with new-design engines, rotor system, transmission system and other features, and will have three times the payload capacity of the older helicopter. The Marine Corps plans to procure 200 CH-53Ks to replace its 151 CH-53Es

what a beastly helicopter. going to cost a pretty penny for all 200. somewhere around 26 billion...6 billion in R&D and 100 million per CH-43K

but well worth it IMO. will be serving the marines for 40+years

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