Selected for CH-53K Modification Program

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, has successfully obtained a coveted CH-53K helicopter modification contract worth $25.6 million. 

The work is expected to be completed by June of 2023, working through a program to design, revise, test, and qualify a new data concentrator and blade fold distributor units for the CH-53K King Stallion propulsion system. The modification provides non-recurring engineering that is hoped to mitigate component obsolescence and outdated test equipment used to maintain the helicopter. It is understandable that the Naval Air Systems Command, the primary client, wants to revisit some of the aging aircraft's subsystems to curb expensive issues before they develop further - and in a design over half a century old, there's no shortage of modernization to do at every turn. The majority of the work will be carried out at Sikorsky's Torrance, California location, accounting for 65% of the contract, with 31% over at Stratford, Connecticut.  

Sikorsky has seen healthy interest in the King Stallion, selling off a dozen CH-53Ks to the Israeli Air Force in late February. The new contract is just another in a long line of customers affirming the popularity of the King Stallion in its most modernized, capable trim. Sikorsky has seen consistent improvement from similar wins in recent memory, seeing a 6% annual increase in its 4th quarter 2021 report.

FMI: www.defense.gov, www.news.lockheedmartin.com