Aircraft & UAVs

CH-53K King Stallion

The Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion is the U.S. Marine Corps' new-build heavy-lift transport helicopter, built by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation as a Lockheed Martin company. It is designed for ship-to-shore assault support, degraded-visual-environment operations, and external lifts up to 36,000 pounds, replacing the CH-53E Super Stallion in Marine heavy-lift service.

Profile

Origin
United States
Built by
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Type
Heavy-lift transport helicopter
Service note
2010s-present
Produced
2022-present
Developed from
CH-53E Super Stallion

Also Known As

  • CH-53K
  • King Stallion
helicopterheavy lifttransportshipboardamphibious assault

Specifications

Crew
Two pilots and 1-3 aircrewmen, mission dependent
Engines
Three T408-GE-400 turboshaft engines rated at 7,332 shp each
External lift
Maximum external lift capability of 36,000 lb (16,329 kg)
Mission radius
27,000 lb (12,247 kg) at 110 nautical miles (203 km) in Navy high/hot conditions
Dimensions
Length 99 ft 0.5 in; height 28 ft 4 in; max gross weight 88,000 lb with external load

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service
First flight in 2015; initial operational capability in 2022; entering fleet deployment in the 2020s.
Used by
United States Marine Corps

Conflict Usage

Side
🏳️Unspecified

Exact model: Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion. As of the researched public sources, it is entering service and preparing for deployments; I found no confirmed combat use in an armed conflict.

Timeline

CH-53K King Stallion Key Events

  1. First flight

    The CH-53K King Stallion took to the skies for its first flight at Sikorsky's test center in West Palm Beach.

    Sources: CH-53K King Stallion: 10 Years since First Flight - NAVAIR

  2. First sea trials

    The helicopter completed two weeks of sea trials aboard USS Wasp, including launch and recovery, blade fold, and shipboard compatibility testing.

    Sources: CH-53K King Stallion completes first sea trials | NAVAIR

  3. First operational squadron flight

    Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 performed the first operational squadron flight with the CH-53K at Marine Corps Air Station New River.

    Sources: CH-53K King Stallion's first operational squadron flight - Marines.mil

  4. Initial operational capability

    The Marine Corps announced initial operational capability for the CH-53K King Stallion.

    Sources: Marine Corps declares IOC for CH-53K King Stallion

CH-53K King Stallion Images

Related Weapon Systems

Super Puma combat support helicopter, Twin-engine medium-lift utility helicopter, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsSuper Puma combat support helicopterTwin-engine medium-lift utility helicopterThe Super Puma is a twin-engine medium-lift helicopter family developed from the SA 330 Puma and used by the Nigerian Air Force as a combat-support platform. In the Boko Haram Insurgency, sourced Nigerian Air Force reporting places Super Puma fleets in the northeast air task force, where the type supported mobility, casualty evacuation, search and rescue, and logistics rather than serving as a dedicated attack helicopter.

Sources