The Sikorsky CH-53-K King Stallion helicopter upgrade is already living up to the hype as one of the most versatile tools available to the U.S. military. New video shows the helicopter refueling in mid-air while carrying an F-35 jet. That new skill is just the beginning for this weapon of the week.
The U.S. Marine Corps currently has 14 in its fleet with 79 more on the way over the next few years. Sikorsky built the first version in 1966. Since then, each evolution of the CH-53 has delivered a more powerful aircraft than the one that preceded it.
The King Stallion is three times more powerful than its predecessor when it comes to lift, and its rotor blades are made of a lighter composite material. That power, combined with a larger cabin, makes it easier to transport more troops and supplies. It can also fly up to 230 miles per hour, and can carry more than 27,000 pounds over 100 miles.
The Marine Corps’ fleet manager said the CH-53 lifted another large helicopter over mountains more than 12,000 feet high after it crashed. That rescue would have been extremely challenging for previous iterations of the aircraft.
Other material upgrades make the King Stallion helicopter significantly lighter, making it easier to make heavy lifts at altitude. Replacing metal with equally-strong composite material reduces weight. So does a new all-glass cockpit, which makes it easier to see the terrain around the aircraft.
The new technology is not cheap, however. The $122 million CH-53K costs as much as a new F-35 jet. The helicopter is expected to fly for around 50 years, which could help justify the large price tag.
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