WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.,
Oct. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/
-- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) today announced the CH-53K King
Stallion successfully completed initial operational testing by the
U.S. Marine Corps to verify the key capabilities of the heavy lift
helicopter. The week-long operational assessment by Marine Corps
pilots, aircrew and maintainers marked an important step in support
of a Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Milestone C decision early
next year.
"This successful operational assessment by the Marine Corps is a
clear sign of the maturity and the robust capability of the King
Stallion," said Dr. Michael Torok,
Sikorsky Vice President CH-53K Programs. "This was a key
requirement in support of the upcoming Milestone C decision, and
its success is another important step in our transition from
development into production."
The U.S. Marine Corps' initial operational testing included
external lift scenarios of 27,000 lbs. (12,200 kgs) in hover and a
12,000 lb. (5,422 kg) 110 nautical mile radius mission. Ground
events included embarkation / debarkation of combat equipped
troops, internal and external cargo rigging, tactical bulk fuel
delivery system (TBFDS) operation and medevac litter configuration.
Overall, post evaluation interviews of aircrew, ground crew and
flight surgeons revealed a high regard for the operational
capability demonstrated by the King Stallion. This customer
assessment is a pre-requisite to Milestone C and is intended to
minimize risk to successfully pass the U.S. Marine Corps
operational evaluation (OPEVAL) phase for a future full rate
production decision.
"OT-B1( Operational Test) is a critical milestone for the
program because this is the first time an operational test has been
done utilizing an 'All Marine' crew," said Col. Hank Vanderborght, U.S. Marine Corps program
manager for Naval Air Systems Command's Heavy Lift Helicopters
Program. "All test objectives were met, and the aircraft performed
very well. This further increases our confidence in the
design, and is another key step to successfully fielding the
CH-53K."
The operational testing was based out of the Sikorsky
Development Flight Center (DFC) in West
Palm Beach, Florida, where CH-53K development flight test is
continuing to make excellent progress now with all four Engineering
Development Model (EDM) aircraft in flight status.
The King Stallion will carry three times the external payload of
the predecessor CH-53E equating to a 27,000 pound external load
over 110 nautical miles under "high hot" ambient conditions. The
CH-53K helicopter provides unmatched heavy lift capability with
reduced logistics footprint and reduced support costs over its
entire life cycle. CH-53K pilots can execute heavy lift missions
more effectively and safely in day/night and all weather with the
King Stallion's modern glass cockpit. Fly-by-wire flight controls
facilitate reduced pilot workload for all heavy lift missions
including external loads, maritime operations, and operation in
degraded visual environments. With more than triple the payload
capability of the predecessor CH-53E, the King Stallion's increased
capability can take the form of a variety of relevant payloads
ranging from an internally loaded High Mobility Multipurpose
Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) to up to three independent external loads
at once which provides outstanding mission flexibility and system
efficiency. A locking, U.S. Air Force pallet compatible cargo rail
system reduces both effort and time to load and unload palletized
cargo.
The U.S. Department of Defense's Program of Record remains at
200 CH-53K aircraft. The first four of the 200 "Program of Record"
aircraft are scheduled for delivery next year to the U.S. Marine
Corps, with another two aircraft to follow. Two additional aircraft
are under long lead procurement for parts and materials, with
deliveries scheduled to start in 2020. The Marine Corps intends to
stand up eight active duty squadrons, one training squadron, and
one reserve squadron to support operational requirements.
This press release contains forward looking statements
concerning opportunities for development, production and sale of
helicopters. Actual results may differ materially from those
projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including
but not limited to changes in government procurement priorities and
practices, budget plans, availability of funding and in the type
and number of aircraft required; challenges in the design,
development, production and support of advanced technologies; as
well as other risks and uncertainties including but not limited to
those detailed from time to time in Lockheed Martin Corporation's
Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a
global security and aerospace company that employs approximately
98,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research,
design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of
advanced technology systems, products and services.
For additional information, visit our website:
www.lockheedmartin.com.
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin