The US Marine Corps received its first CH-53K King Stallion on Wednesday, landing at Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina, according to The Drive.
“[This is] the most powerful helicopter the United States has ever fielded,” CH-53 program chief Marine Col. Hank Vanderborght said in April. “Not only the most powerful, the most modern and also the smartest.”
But it’s also the most expensive. With a price tag of about $144 million, it costs more than the F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighter.
Still, the King Stallion can haul three times more than the helicopter it’s replacing, the CH-53E Super Stallion.
Here’s what it can do:
Engineered by Sikorsky, the CH-53K King Stallion made its first flight in 2015.
US Marine Corps
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation is a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, one of the largest defense contractors and political donors in the US.
Source: Defense News
It’s about 28 feet high and 99 feet in length.
US Marine Corps
Source: US Naval Air Systems Command
It’s powered by three T408-GE-400 turboshaft engines, which can bring the King Stallion to a maximum speed of about 230 mph.
The Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion helicopter is revealed during the rollout ceremony at the Sikorsky headquarters in Jupiter, Florida, on 5 May 2014. Associated Press
Source: US Naval Air Systems Command, The Drive
And has a maximum altitude of about 9,520 feet.
US Marine Corps
Source: US Naval Air Systems Command
It also has a maximum takeoff weight of about 88,000 pounds, and can externally haul more than 27,000 pounds — three times what the CH-53E can.
US Marine Corps
Source: US Naval Air Systems Command
Here’s a shot inside the cabin, which can fit two Humvees or a light armored vehicle
US Marine Corps
Source: US Naval Air Systems Command
It’s also fitted with a glass cockpit, which basically means it has digital displays, for the four-man crew, as well as fourth generation high-efficiency composite rotor blades with swept anhedral tips.
US Marine Corps
Source: US Naval Air Systems Command
The Marine Corps hopes to receive about 200 King Stallions.
US Marine Corps
Source: US Naval Air Systems Command
Lastly, here’s a short video of the King Stallion in action.
