The US Navy has given the green light for full-rate production (FRP) of the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion helicopter. With this approval, Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky will increase the production of the CH-53K to more than 20 units per year.
The company says the US Marine Corps (USMC) commitment to using the CH-53K will create efficiencies and lower overall costs for the US military and international allies.
Previously, USMC had announced the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) of the CH-53K helicopter in April 2022.This validates the helicopter"s operational readiness for worldwide use.
The CH-53K King Stallion is a multi-mission helicopter with a heavy payload capability exceeding that of any rotary wing aircraft ordered by the US Department of Defence.The CH-53K is reportedly scheduled to achieve Full Operational Capability (FOC) by 2029.
