external load from sea level at a temperature
of 39.4°C (103°F) fly over 110nm (203km)
and deliver it to a location at an altitude of
3,000ft (914m) and a temperature of 33.1°C
(91.5°F); nearly tripling the CH-53E’s capacity
in similar conditions.
This capability permits the CH-53K
to deliver two up-armoured high mobility
multipurpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWV or
Humvee), a single 31,000lb (14,061kg) LAV-
25A2 light armoured vehicle, or three 9,000lb
(4,082kg) sustainment loads to three separate
landing zones at a range of 110nm (204km).
It can operate at a maximum gross weight of
88,000lb (39,916kg) compared with the CH-
53E, which tops out at 74,000lb (33,566kg)
and can carry 16,900lb (7,666kg) internally.
Single, dual and triple external cargo hook
capability includes a single centre-point rated
for a 36,000lb (16,329kg) capacity and dual-
point hooks that are capable of carrying up to
25,200lb (11,431kg) each.
Its cabin is 14in (0.36m) wider than the
earlier model, enabling it to carry standard
463L series pallets, and cargo movement is
aided by an internal rail locking system and a
4,000lb (1,814kg) capacity cargo winch. Larger
external sponsons (projections) increase the
helicopter’s internal fuel load, alleviating the
need for external tanks. Constructed from
composite materials, each sponson houses
two self-sealing fuel tanks that hold 2,300 US
gal (8,706 lit) of fuel totalling 15,500lb (7,031kg).
Newly designed crashworthy seats provide
seating for 30 fully-equipped troops.
Composite materials are found throughout
the new aircraft.
Spirit Aerosystems produces the helicopter’s
cockpit and cabin section, as well as the
tailboom structure of that part of the aircraft.
Visibility from the cockpit is improved
through the incorporation of larger
windscreens and side panels.
GKN Aerospace builds the aft transitionAbove: Known as EDM-1, the initial YCH-
53K was unveiled at Sikorsky Aircraft’s
Development Flight Center in Jupiter, Florida,
on May 14, 2015. King Stallion deliveries
will run through to 2029 when the helicopter
achieves full operational capability.30 Aviation News incorporating Jets May 2018A CH-53K Ground Test Vehicle (GTV) began supporting King Stallion engine and powertrain
testing on January 24, 2014 when the powerplants were red up and the rotor head was turned
for the rst time at Jupiter, Florida.A YCH-53K conducts its
rst hover with a 12,000lb
external load on April
19, 2016. Load testing
progressed incrementally
until February 10, 2018
when the King Stallion
lifted a 36,000lb payload.28-32_ch53kDC.mf.indd 30 03/04/2018 17:25