Lockheed Martin’s CH-53 King Stallion helicopter completes Marines operational tests

After a weeklong operational assessment by the Marine Corps, Lockheed Martin’s heavy lift helicopter CH-53K King Stallion recently completed initial operational testing and moved closer to a Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Milestone C decision, which should come early next year.

"This successful operational assessment by the Marine Corps is a clear sign of the maturity and the robust capability of the King Stallion," Dr. Michael Torok, vice president of CH-53K programs at Lockheed-owned Sikorsky, said. "This was a key requirement in support of the upcoming Milestone C decision, and its success is another important step in our transition from development into production."

The testing, conducted by Marine Corps pilots, aircrew and maintainers, included an external lift of 27,000 pounds while hovering and 12,000 pounds while conducting a mission with a radius of 110 nautical miles. The testing also included ground operations like embarkation and debarkation, cargo rigging and tactical bulk fuel delivery system operation.

"OT-B1( Operational Test) is a critical milestone for the program because this is the first time an operational test has been done utilizing an 'All Marine' crew," Col. Hank Vanderborght, Marine Corps program manager for Naval Air Systems Command's Heavy Lift Helicopters Program, said. "All test objectives were met, and the aircraft performed very well. This further increases our confidence in the design, and is another key step to successfully fielding the CH-53K."