Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky Aircraft is making significant strides in South Korea, planning to set up an assembly line for the CH-53K King Stallion helicopter. This initiative aims to meet the growing military helicopter demands of South Korea, a move that coincides with the South Korean government’s launch of a 3.7-trillion won (approximately $2.6 billion) program intended to source new heavy-lift special operations aircraft from international manufacturers by 2031.
As part of this competitive landscape, the CH-53K will rival Boeing’s CH-47F Chinook for the contract. In a recent update from The Korea Economic Daily, it was reported that Lockheed has partnered with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to explore and develop advanced special operations helicopters that could serve South Korea’s military needs for the next three decades.
During a press briefing in Seoul, Frank Crisafulli, Sikorsky’s Director of International Strategy and Business Development, emphasized the company’s commitment to local assembly, stating, “We have every intention of having all 18 aircraft assembled here in Korea.” Crisafulli added that Sikorsky is eager to expand its collaboration with KAI beyond mere assembly into more comprehensive partnerships, including the manufacturing of parts and exploring export opportunities to other countries.
The CH-53K King Stallion, known for its formidable capabilities, boasts a length of 99 feet (30 meters) and a spacious interior that can accommodate over 20 personnel. Its impressive payload capacity of up to 35,000 pounds (15,876 kilograms) allows it to efficiently transport heavy equipment, such as Light Armored Vehicles or dual Humvees. The updated design enhances its versatility, enabling the aircraft to internally carry a single Humvee or load up to two 10,000-pound (4,536-kilogram) air mobility cargo system pallets.
Powering the King Stallion are three GE Aerospace T408 turboshaft engines, each delivering 7,332 horsepower. This powerful configuration enables the aircraft to achieve a maximum speed of 170 knots (196 miles/hour or 315 kilometers/hour) and operate effectively at altitudes of approximately 16,000 feet (4,877 meters), with a range extending to 30 miles (48 kilometers).
As Lockheed Martin and KAI forge their partnership, the establishment of the CH-53K assembly line in South Korea signifies a pivotal move in enhancing the country’s defense capabilities, ensuring that local military operations are supported by advanced, home-assembled aircraft for years to come.
