Monday, May 5, 2014

Sikorsky unveils newest helicopter, Marines' CH-53K 'King Stallion'


Sikorsky Aircraft unveiled its most powerful, technologically advanced and biggest-load helicopter on Monday in Palm Beach County, Fla.


The CH-53K was crowned "King Stallion" by the Marine Corps at an event at Sikorky's Development Flight Center. The version currently in use by the military is dubbed the "Super Stallion."


The helicopter is designed to carry 27,000 pounds — three times the load of the current Sikorsky helicopter — which will enable it to move troops and equipment from ship to shore and to higher altitude terrain, more quickly and effectively than before, Sikorsky said. Yet it is about the same size as its predecessor, so it can fit in the same space on Naval ships.


For increased lift, the rotor blade has a 35-foot span. Three engines, including GE Aviation's new T408 engine, provide 57 percent more power than CH-53E aircraft, with 20 percent lower fuel consumption.


The King Stallion will give the Marine Corps in the field greater possibilities when doing rescue in wartime or response to disaster, said Gen. James Amos, commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, in an interview at the unveiling before employees, Marines and legislative officials.


"The 53-K helicopter will be the backbone of the Marine Corps fleet into the future," said United Technologies Chairman and CEO Louis Chenevert.


The prototype was assembled at the campus that Sikorsky shares with Pratt & Whitney in northwestern Palm Beach County. Both companies are units of United Technologies Corp. of Hartford, Conn.


About 280 engineers and other employees work on the program, with a total of 1,300 Sikorsky employees in Palm Beach County, said John Fischetti, general manager for the Development Flight Center. Amos said Marines submitted potential names for the new helicopter, with the most votes going for "King Stallion."


The Navy has said it wants 200 of the helicopters for its ships, but there's no formal government contract yet.


Fischetti said the helicopter will be flight tested by year-end. The new helicopter is designed to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion beginning in 2019.


Sikorsky built a helicopter assembly center at the campus in 2011, promising to add 14 jobs. Palm Beach County awarded Sikorsky $1 million in tax abatements and other state and local incentives to remain in the county and create jobs. So far the company has been paid $600,000, according to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.



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