Sikorsky CH-53K Helicopter

A heavy lift capability above all others

Leading the Way

The next generation heavy lift helicopter is here.

Vertical heavy lift is critical to successful 21st century operations in anti-access, area-denial environments globally,
enabling force application and focused logistics within the joint operating concepts. The CH-53K helicopter provides the
assault support function in support of Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare, and significantly improves operational capabilities
and reduces life-cycle costs.

• Double the lift in USMC hot day • USMC first choice to provide Multi-mission versatility
conditions at 110 nm heavy lift capability well into the
Designed for the transport of equip-
• 45% reduction in direct maintenance 21st century
ment, supplies and personnel during
cost • Most versatile heavy lift helicopter
• Increased survivability in the world amphibious assault operations and
• 20 knot increase in speed • Versatile multi-mission performance sustained operations ashore. Capable
• Designed for sea-based operations of both internal and external transport
of supplies, the CH-53K is shipboard
compatible and capable of operating
in adverse weather conditions both day
and night. It recovers disabled aircraft
and helicopters and performs long-
range rescues.

Superior performance
The CH-53K helicopter will conduct an
unrefueled mission of 110 nm radius
with a 27,000 pound (12,247 kg) external
payload. The aircraft meets the stringent
performance parameters on a “high-hot”
Navy day (a pressure altitude of 3000
feet and 91.5˚ F/915 meters/33˚ C).

Precise shipboard compatibility

The CH-53K has full shipboard com-
patibility, including automatic blade
fold and pylon fold, deck-edge power
compatibility, fuel storage safety, HERO
compatibility, deck strength compat-
ibility, and shipboard buoyancy effects.
The blades and pylon are capable
of folding and spreading in winds of
45 knots from any direction.

Outstanding aircraft readiness

The CH-53K logistics system is func-
tional, effective and aimed at ensuring
operational readiness/availability and
reducing overall Life Cycle Costs (LCC).
Outstanding Effectiveness. Going where others cannot.

The CH-53K provides Joint Task Force and MAGTF

Commanders with a vertical heavy lift capability to
project, sustain and reconstitute combat forces. The
CH-53K operates at distances, airspeeds, and gross
weights to support Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare
(EMW), Operational Maneuver From the Sea (OMFTS)
and Seabasing concepts. The aircraft affordably op-
timizes performance, survivability, maintainability and
supportability in a “best value” solution to provide an
effective heavy lift assault support platform for Joint
Force Commanders.

Cruise at VBR 110 30 min Loiter at

nm, 500 ft AGL CAL zone, VBE
(152.4 m) 5 min HOGE at CAL
2 min HOGE Lift zone, drop load
Land back
27,000 lb (12,247 Climb to 3000 ft
on Ship
kg) External load (914.4 m)

W/U Takeoff Cruise at VBR 110 nm,

from Ship 500 ft AGL (152.4 m)

110 nm

The CH-53K supports OMFTS missions with the seamless maneuver of MAGTF assault forces and equipment from a ship
directly to an inland objective without operational pause. This typical OMFTS scenario requires the CH-53K to have the
capability of an over-the-horizon shipboard launch, at night, in low visibility or adverse weather.

Capable of rapidly embarking aboard The CH-53K has the capability in an CH-53K provides extended range of
and operating from Amphibious unfueled mission to externally carry 110 nm enabling coalition forces to
Assault Aviation Ships (LHA/LHD/ a payload of 36,000 lbs (16,363 kg). project and sustain combat forces.
LHR), Air Capable Ships, and CV/
CVN Vessels.
 Advanced Technology. Increased Performance.

Elastomeric main rotor head reduces

O&S costs and increases flight readiness
Advanced drive system incorporating multiple path
split torque gearbox with load sharing capability

Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)

with pneumatic start

Integral Engine air

particle separator (EAPS)
designed for maintenance
improvements

Fly-by-Wire (FBW) electronic

flight controls for improved
mission capability with reduced Integrated Forward Looking
Infrared (FLIR) system with Advanced light
weight and lower life cycle costs
helmet mounted navigational weight armor
displays

OMFTS External Payload/RoA Increased Payload and Advanced Digital Cockpit

Range Provides compatibility with
6,000 shp engines and new the battlefield and decreases
dynamic systems enables the pilot workload by integrating
CH-53K to meet all USMC the flight critical data into four
heavy lift replacement mission multi-functional displays.
requirements including the
critical operational maneuver
from the sea (OMFTS) mission.
Lower Operating Costs.

Composite main rotor blades

with advanced airfoil section

(3) 6,000 shp class engines

Bearingless tail rotor hub

with advanced airfoil and
reduced part count

Hybrid composite airframe structure

that provides lighter weight and lower
vibration throughout aircraft life
Crashworthy
troop seats Integral cargo handling
system with rated capacity
Aircraft Survivability for (2) two 463 l pallets
Equipment (ASE)

Crashworthy retracting
landing gear

Long range, crashworthy and

ballistic tolerant 2,286 gal (8,653 l)
main fuel system

Direct Maintenance Cost Maintenance Man-Hours

Efficiencies Reduced
I-level

Technology is the enabler to O-level

Scheduled
Improved reliability &
reduce cost of ownership. maintenance (R&M) promotes
MMH/FH
MMH/FH

Result of this is seen in the O-level “on condition” maintenance

Unscheduled
decrease of direct maintenance which reduces the need for
cost to the CH-53K operator. scheduled maintenance and
special inspections.
CH-53E CH-53K CH-53E CH-53K
 There are those who fly.
 And those who fly Sikorsky.

6900 Main Street, Stratford, Connecticut 06615 USA

+1 (800) WINGED-S (946-4337) or +1 (203) 386-4282
www.sikorsky.com
M-032 May 2006