Costly Program Sees Another Price Drop as 42 of 200 King Stallions Now Ordered

Sikorsky is continuing production of another 9 additional CH-53K King Stallion helicopters as the Navy exercised the option of its 2021 Lot 6 contract.

That deal allowed a small batch of the aircraft to be produced as part of the wider production run in an effort to restrict runaway costs in the build process. Ultimately, at least 200 of the helicopters are listed in the Program of Record, of which 47 remain in varying states of production. 

The company, a part of the Lockheed Martin umbrella, got an $878.7 million contract for Lot 5 of the helicopters last June, which included an option for this Lot 6 contract that was expected to cost $852.5 million for 9 aircraft. On February 3rd, Sikorsky was awarded a $685 million contract for 9 CH-53Ks, bringing each of the Lot 6 aircraft in around $76 million apiece. The cost savings is an  impressive improvement over the planned cost of $94.7 million, as expected in June 2021. Lot 5 cost hovered around $97.6 million for each stallion, itself an improvement over the initial price of $125 million. The costs do not include engine or other government-furnished equipment. Deliveries are set to begin from 2025, with 200 on tap for the Marine Corps. 

The Stallion is, despite its apparently excessive cost, a quantitative leap in capability in heavy-lift helicopters. Capable of carrying a Humvee in its hold, with 27,000 pounds of lifting capacity. Even the LAV-25 light armored vehicle and M198 Howitzer are on the table for the Navy's newest rotary equipment. The King Stallion represents the latest iteration of the CH-53 that has long been a mainstay of the service, initially taking flight in 1966. That commonality allows for considerable retention of expertise and parts compatibility throughout the fleet, valuable efficiencies to retain in weapon systems that could serve for generations. Among other modernities, the -K model includes handy support for FCOE and IVHMS, systems that look to anticipate maintenance requirements before they result in downtime. One of the primary selling points for the program was the lower anticipated maintenance crew hours, reduced life cycle costs, and overall boost to aircraft mission readiness. 

“By embracing resilient, predictive logistics and sustainment, we are enabling CH-5K crews to make smarter, faster decisions, to increase reliability, and improve readiness and material availability at reduced burden to the fleet,” said Bill Falk, Sikorsky Director, CH-53K programs. “After 50 years of supporting the CH-53E, Sikorsky has a deep understanding of the heavy-lift mission and an enduring partnership with the U.S. Marines Corps enabling our team and our proven supply chain to offer tailored solutions resulting in more efficient missions.”

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com