The U.S. Marine Corps declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the CH-53K heavy lift helicopter, validating the platform’s operational readiness to forward deploy Marines and equipment across the globe. Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company designed and manufactures the CH-53K, which enables the U.S. Marine Corps and international militaries to move troops and equipment from ship to shore, and to higher altitude terrain, more quickly and effectively than ever before.
“This declaration is a vote of confidence from Marine Corps leadership and demonstrates the critical role of the CH-53K, giving forces more range and agility to conduct expeditionary heavy-lift assault transport of armored vehicles, equipment, and personnel. This capability is critical in the Indo-Pacific region and around the globe in support of the joint force and allies,” said Sikorsky President Paul Lemmo. “Sikorsky and our nationwide CH-53K supply chain, including dozens of small businesses, are committed to delivering aircraft that can adapt to future missions and are reliable, sustainable and relevant for decades to come.”
The path to CH-53K IOC included collaboration on Initial Operational Testing & Evaluation among Sikorsky, the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps to develop, test and validate the advanced capabilities of this 21st century aircraft.
CH-53K Mission Critical Capabilities
Marines have been flying and supporting the CH-53K in the fleet environment demonstrating the aircraft is on track to fully deploy on schedule. The aircraft have flown more than 3,000 flight hours showcasing the CH-53K’s performance in a range of mission scenarios including extreme cold and hot environments. Other accomplishments include:
- Day and night air-to-air refueling
- Air-to-air refueling with 27,000 lb. external load
- Sea trials with over 350 landings
- Live fire testing and evaluation
- Sustained operations simulating offload of a Marine Expeditionary Brigade
- Testing in degraded visual environment conditions at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Arizona
- Delivery of first six aircraft to the Marine Corps