CH-53K King Stallion

CH-53K King Stallion (Heavy-lift cargo helicopter)

Manufacturer: Sikorsky Aircraft

Introduction: planned for 2018

Status: In development

Program cost: $6,182 million (R&D cost, FY2013)

Unit cost:

$84.9M (FY13);

$115.9M (with R&D)

Developed from: Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion

General characteristics

Crew: 5 (2 pilots, 1 crew chief/right gunner, 1 left gunner, 1 tail gunner/combat crew)

Capacity: 37 troops (55 with centerline seats installed)

Payload: 15,900 kg

Length: 30.2 m

Rotor diameter: 24 m

Height: 8.46 m

Disc area: 460 m²

Empty weight: 15,071 kg

Loaded weight: 33,600 kg

Max. takeoff weight: 38,400 kg

Powerplant: 3× General Electric GE38-1B turboshaft, 7,500 shp (5,600 kW) each

Rotor systems: 7 blades on main rotor (each 35' x 35"), 4 blades on tail rotor

Performance

Cruise speed: 315 km/h

Range: 841 km no reserves

Combat radius: 204 km

Service ceiling: 4,380 m

Rate of climb: 13 m/s

Armament

Guns:

2 window-mounted Browning .50 BMG (12.7 mm) M3M/GAU-21 machine guns;

1 ramp-mounted Browning .50 BMG (12.7 mm) M3M/GAU-21 machine gun

Other: Chaff and flare dispensers

Flight tests are expected at the end of 2014, lasting 3 years