Once all tests have been completed, the final configuration of the CH-53K heavy transport helicopters for the US Marine Corps has been determined. This lays the foundation for the US Navy to release the full production rate of 20 helicopters per year. On the industrial side, Lockheed Martin says it has laid all the foundations to enable the CH-53K to be manufactured at full production rate in a completely digitalized manufacturing process.
The U.S. Navy's current decision will allow suppliers to purchase in bulk, increasing efficiencies and further reducing overall costs for U.S. forces and international customers, Lockheed Martin said. The decision to increase series production also strengthens the growing network of more than 200 CH-53K suppliers.
The US Marine Corps (USMC) had already declared the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the CH-53K helicopter in April 2022 (ESuTreported) und damit die Einsatzbereitschaft der Luftfahrzeuge für den weltweiten Einsatz bestätigt. Zusammen mit der jetzigen Entscheidung zur Steigerung der Produktion, sieht Lockheed Martin die US- Streitkräfte damit auf stabilem Kurs Richtung Beschaffungsziel des USMC, welches bei insgesamt 200 Luftfahrzeugen liegt.
According to the manufacturer's description, the CH-53K is a heavy utility helicopter that exceeds the current capabilities of the US Department of Defense's existing helicopters. It is the only transport helicopter in this category that will be mass-produced in the future. Thanks to its high performance and long range as well as the integrated air refueling system, the CH-53K can be used ex works for long-range missions and global support of special forces as well as armed search and rescue. The capabilities of the previous model CH-53E are tripled in the transport of heavy armored vehicles and military equipment, especially under challenging operating conditions.
In addition to the USMC, the Israeli Defense Forces have ordered twelve CH-53Ks, which are scheduled for delivery starting in 2025. In Germany, the CH-53K was unable to prevail in the competition for the heavy transport helicopter.
Editorial staff / gwh
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