DOD approves purchase of 200 Sikorsky helicopters

Sikorsky Aircraft tests in October 2016 a prototype of the CH-53K King Stallion helicopter it is selling to the U.S. Marine Corps to ferry soldiers and equipment in combat zones. Photo courtesy Lockheed Martin. Sikorsky Aircraft tests in October 2016 a prototype of the CH-53K King Stallion helicopter it is selling to the U.S. Marine Corps to ferry soldiers and equipment in combat zones. Photo courtesy Lockheed Martin. Image 1 of / 74 Caption Close DOD approves purchase of 200 Sikorsky helicopters 1 / 74 Back to Gallery

The U.S. Department of Defense approved the purchase of 200 CH-53K King Stallion helicopters from Sikorsky Aircraft, giving lift to a $27 billion program the Stratford-based manufacturer is counting on as a dominant source of revenue for years to come.

The CH-53K is destined for the Marine Corps as a heavy-lift helicopter for personnel and cargoes in combat theaters. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of Bethesda, Md.-based Lockheed Martin.

“This is an exciting milestone for Sikorsky and for our state,” said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, in a written statement Tuesday evening. “This isn’t only about Sikorsky — it’s also about the supply chain companies and the thousands of employees in every corner of our state who will benefit.”

The CH-53K is designed to have triple the carrying capacity of the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter currently used by the Marines, with a cargo bay that can fit the High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles used by the service branch. The helicopter is built to handle an 18-ton load, and to fly fully loaded higher and faster than existing aircraft, and under a range of conditions.

As reported by IHS Janes 360, Sikorsky Aircraft has modified the CH-53K following issues with excessive heat in the engine compartment and “flame-outs” during testing — none during flight — that have since been resolved. The publication cited an April 3 briefing by a U.S. Marine Corps officer at the Navy League’s annual Sea-Air-Space exposition in National Harbor, Md.

The CH-53K uses engines from the GE Aviation subsidiary of General Electric.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-354-1047; www.twitter.com/casoulman