The CH-53K was developed by Sikorsky to meet requirements of the US Marine Corps. Development commenced in 2006. This heavy helicopter was first publicly revealed in 2014. First flight is scheduled for 2015. Low-rate production of this helicopter should commence in 2016 and it should reach initial operating capability in 2018. Once operational it will be the largest helicopter in the US military. The US Marine Corps requirement is for 200 new heavy-lift helicopters.
The CH-53K is a further development of the CH-53E Super Stallion. Since 1974 the Super Stallion was the largest and most powerful helicopter outside Russia. A total of 227 machines were built. Currently US Marines are using CH-53E helicopters to deliver troops, vehicles and supplies from ships to shore. However these helicopters are wearing out. The main goal was to develop helicopter with notably improved performance in a similar airframe.
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