Sikorsky completes first Connecticut-built heavy-lift helicopter for US Marine Corps
Helicopter can maneuver in low visibility environments, deploy Marines even faster
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The first Connecticut-built heavy-lift helicopter – which can withstand longer-range missions in poor environments – is now in the hands of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, celebrated the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter's completion at its Stratford, Connecticut, facility last week.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, celebrated the first Connecticut built CH-53K helicopter in a ceremony at its Stratford, CT facility. (Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company)
NORTH CAROLINA-BASED CLUB HONORS WWII VETERAN WITH PARADE FOR HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The King Stallion, which was created using "advanced technologies such as manufacturing simulation and 3D laser inspection technology" is the first all-digitally designed helicopter, according to Sikorsky President Paul Lemmo.
The Marine Corps will utilize the aircraft to transport armored vehicles, equipment and personnel "to support distributed operations deep inland from a sea-based center of operations," according to Sikorsky.
CH-53K, K4 Flt 205 and K5 Flt 42, fly in formation from NAS Patuxent River, MD on Jana 9, 2020. (Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company. )
What's more, the helicopter can maneuver within low visibility environments and deploy Marines faster and effectively, according to Deputy Commandant for Aviation Lt. Gen. Mark R. Wise.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"The CH-53K helicopter provides advanced capabilities allowing Marines to get anywhere in the world where the mission requires heavy-lift logistics support," said Wise.
It will be stationed at Marine Corps Aviation Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, in preparation for its first deployment in 2024, Lemmo said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The helicopter is part of a 200 aircraft program of record for the Marine Corps and one of more than 30 aircraft on contract. There are an additional nine helicopters on contract for long-lead parts, according to Sikorsky.