Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion

The heavy-lift helicopter built for modern expeditionary transport.

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Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion © Lance Cpl. Molly Hampton

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Overview

Sikorsky Helicopter United States ICAO: CH53 2015–Present $78 million (2020)

The Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion is a next-generation heavy-lift helicopter developed for the U.S. Marine Corps. Entering service in the 2020s, it replaces earlier CH-53 variants. The aircraft emphasizes increased payload and digital systems.

Live Fleet Activity (CH53)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
3 × General Electric GE38-1B turboshaft
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
3 × 7,500 shp · 5,593 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
30
Crew
—
Cabin width
8 ft 10 in  ·  2.70 m
Cabin height
6 ft 7 in  ·  2.00 m
Cabin length
29 ft 10 in  ·  9.10 m
Exterior length
99 ft 1 in  ·  30.20 m
Tail height
28 ft 5 in  ·  8.66 m
Fuselage diameter
9 ft 10 in  ·  3.00 m
Wing span
78 ft 9 in  ·  24.00 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
88,000 lb  ·  39,900 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
36,000 lb  ·  16,300 kg
Fuel capacity
2,400 gal · 9,100 L · 7,300 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
170 kt  ·  196 mph  ·  315 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
454 nm  ·  520 mi  ·  840 km
Fuel burn
0.42 nm/gal  ·  0.21 km/L
Ceiling
16,000 ft  ·  4,900 m
Rate of climb
2,500 ft/min  ·  13 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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CH-53K King Stallion helicopter

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Operational Context

Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion — heavy-lift military helicopter

The CH-53K first flew in 2015 and entered service in 2022. It features new composite rotor blades and fly-by-wire controls. The design supports high payload in demanding environments.

Three turboshaft engines producing approximately 7,500 shaft horsepower each power the helicopter. Cruise speed approaches 170 knots (315 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 88,000 pounds (39,916 kg).

The CH-53K enhances heavy-lift capability for expeditionary missions. It is intended to operate in challenging conditions with increased reliability. The aircraft represents the latest evolution of the CH-53 series.