CH-53K lifts 27,000 pounds

The Marine Corps CH-53K "King Stallion" heavy-lift helicopter successfully lifted 27,000 pounds during testing last week, contractor Lockheed Martin announced.

The sling-load was lifted externally 100 feet above the ground while the aircraft performed maneuvers, according to Lockheed's June 23 statement.

The new aircraft is being developed to carry 27,000 pounds externally over 110 nautical miles. The program is expected to go to milestone C in fiscal year 2017 and reach initial operational capability in 2019.

The Marines' program of record involves procuring 200 aircraft. Germany is also considering the CH-53K for its heavy-lift replacement program, as Berlin recently sent the U.S. government a request for pricing on 41 helicopters, Inside the Navy reported in May (178339)