Navy planning CH-53K Lots 5 and 6 contract with Sikorsky

The Navy is planning to reach an agreement with Lockheed Martin-owned Sikorsky to build Lots 5 and 6 of the Marine Corps' new heavy-lift helicopter.

According to a pre-solicitation notice posted on Federal Business Opportunities, the service will purchase the aircraft for the CH-53K King Stallion's low-rate initial production phase.

"The intended contract will be initially issued as an Advance Acquisition Contract (AAC) in FY-20 and FY-21 for long lead items in support of the subsequent production buys," the notice reads. "The production buy will be fully funded using FY-21 and FY-22 funding, respectively for Lot 5 and Lot 6."

The notice says the Navy anticipates buying approximately eight helicopters for Lot 5 and 11 helicopters for Lot 6 to adhere to requirements, but notes Congress will ultimately decide how many aircraft the service purchases.

In August, the Navy awarded Sikorsky a $107.4 million contract modification for long-lead materials in preparation for six helicopters as part of the program's LRIP phase.

After re-structuring the CH-53K test program, the Navy in May awarded Sikorsky a $1.1 billion modification for Lots 2 and 3.