The United States marine corps received its first CH-53K King Stallions. The
second marine aircraft wing now fields the largest and most powerful
helicopter in the united states military.
The marine corps second marine aircraft wing stationed in new river north
carolina has taken possession of the new CH-53K king stallion, the most
powerful heavy lift helicopter in the united states military.
Major General Michael Cedarholm, commanding general of second marine
aircraft wing explained in a marine corps statement covering the event.
"Today our marine corps got a little stronger, it is only appropriate that
second marine aircraft wing and in particular marine corps air station new
river would be the first to receive the newest land and sea-based heavy
helicopter because this is the home of the marine corps assault support."
Major general Michael Cedarholm added, "placing the CH-53K king stallion
into the hands of our war fighters will ensure we capitalize on the unique
qualities and characteristics of the 53k and will allow second marine
aircraft wing to continue to provide the best aviation support to the marine
air ground task force right now and well into our future."
This bigger and better than the rest. The CH- 53K King Stallion is a
significant improvement over its predecessor, the CH-53E super stallion.
In addition to being the us military's largest and heaviest helicopter, the
King Stallion has 30 percent greater range than its predecessor, as well as
updated cockpit displays, fly-by-wire controls and improved rotor blades.
Quite simply second marine aircraft wing will be able to move more troops
and equipment at higher altitudes, faster speeds and in more austere
environments than ever before, michael cedarholm said.
Imperfect design, still the king stallion's production has been less than
perfect. In 2018 several technical problems were discovered that delayed the
helicopter's rollout. tail rotor deficiencies as well as exhaust gas
ingestion and air filter issues and this required a redesign.
International export development hiccups aside the CH-53K king stallion has
enjoyed some success on the export market.
Late last year Israel signed a procurement contract for 12 CH-53K king
stallions for 2 billion with the option to purchase an additional 6
helicopters.
Japan is currently investing more in its military and has also shown
interest in purchasing the helicopter. The King Stallion offers the united
states marine corps significant payload capacity increases for the same
range.
Despite some design hiccups early on it will be the corpse go to heavy lift
helicopter. future us marines will fly this weapons into battle. The u.s
navy and lockheed martin sikorsky will build the first two CH-53K king
stallion heavy lift helicopters.
CH-53 helicopters currently operating from navy amphibious assault ships are
central to maritime and land assault, resupply, cargo and other kinds of
heavy lift missions.
The new K model CH-53 helicopter is engineered to lift 27,000 pounds, travel
110 nautical miles before staying 30 minutes on station and then be able to
return under high hot conditions.
The existing E model CH-53 can only carry 9000 pounds. this contract will
benefit our marine corps heavy lifters for decades to come.
The idea with the helicopter is to engineer a new aircraft with much greater
performance compared to the existing CH-53-year echo model aircraft designed
in the 80s. Higher temperatures and higher altitudes create a circumstance
wherein the decreased air pressure makes it more difficult for helicopters
to fly and carry payloads.
High hot conditions are described as being able to operate at more than
6,000 feet at temperatures greater than 90 degrees fahrenheit.
The developers said an onboard refueling system is engineered into the
helicopter to extend mission range in high risk areas too dangerous for A-C
130 to operate.
The requirement for the k model CH-53 emerged out of a marine corps study
which looked at the combat aviation elements of a marine air ground task
force.
The helicopter will also be configured with directional infrared
countermeasures, a high-tech laser jammer designed to throw incoming
missiles off course.
Directional infrared countermeasures uses sensor technology to identify and
thwart fast approaching enemy fires such as shoulder-fired weapons.
The CH-53K uses a split torque transmission design that transfers high
power, high-speed engine output to lower speed, high torque rotor drive in a
weight efficient manner.
The CH-53K model will be a fly-by-wire capable helicopter and also use the
latest in what's called condition-based maintenance, a method wherein
diagnostic sensors are put in place to monitor systems on the aircraft in
order to better predict and avert points of mechanical failure.
