Sikorsky delivered the third Low-Rate Initial Production (seventh overall) CH-53K helicopter ahead of contract schedule to the U.S. Marine Corps.

Deputy Commandant for Aviation Lt. Gen. Mark Wise announced the United States Marine Corps (USMC) has achieved initial operational capability in the CH-53K King Stallion on April 22, 2022.

The U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin to build nine additional CH-53K helicopters for the U.S. Marine Corps.

The USMC conducted over-the-horizon heavy lift and troop transport ship-to-shore operations aboard CH-53K King Stallions over the Atlantic Ocean, Nov. 19-21.

The CH-53K King Stallion completed a two-week period of sea trials in the Atlantic earlier this month. This was the first opportunity to see the aircraft working in a modern naval environment.

The CH-53K King Stallion aced an air-to-air refueling test this week, successfully demonstrating long-range logistics support capabilities for the U.S. Marine Corps. The 4.5 hour test was accomplished over the Chesapeake Bay with a KC-130J aerial refueling (AR) tanker.

Sikorsky will build 12 production CH-53K King Stallion helicopters under a new $1.13 billion contract from the U.S. Navy. These advanced helicopters are part of the 200 program of record aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps.