Aerospace company Lockheed Martin has received a Navy full rate production declaration to increase production of over 20 Sikorsky CH-53K helicopters annually in the coming years.
“Ramping up production of the most technologically advanced helicopter in the world allows the U.S. Marine Corps to build out its CH-53K King Stallion fleet and support mission success,” Sikorsky CH-53K Program Director Bill Falk said. “This production authorization stabilizes Sikorsky’s domestic supply chain and is a testament to our enduring partnership with the Marine Corps.”
Authorities noted Sikorsky is procuring long-lead items and critical materials as a means of supporting building full rate production CH-53K helicopters in its digital factory – adding the production decision provides confidence in the diverse network of more than 200 CH‑53K suppliers across 34 states.
The action enables suppliers to purchase in bulk, creating efficiencies and reducing overall costs for the domestic military and international allies.
The CH‑53K is a multi-mission helicopter possessing heavy-lift capabilities exceeding all other Department of Defense rotary wing aircraft, serving as the only heavy-lift helicopter remaining in production through 2032 and beyond.
The CH-53K is a digitally designed, market-available aircraft that enables a range of operations, including humanitarian relief, firefighting and search and rescue.