The Coming of the CH-53K to the USMC: A December 2021 Update

Posted on | by Robbin Laird
12/20/2021

The photo slideshow contained in this article highlights the next round of preparation for the coming of the CH-53K to the operating force.

According to II MEF:

“U.S. Marines with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) test the capabilities of the CH-53K King Stallion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Dec. 16, 2021.

“Personnel with VMX-1 conducted surge flight operations to test the external lift capability of the CH-53K in support of amphibious operations.

“It can externally transport 27,000 lbs. over 110 nautical miles and has a max external lift of 36,000 lbs., three times that of the legacy “E” aircraft.

“The CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter currently being produced and tested to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion.”

But the CH-53K is part of the enhanced focus of the USMC on mobile basing and has signifiant potential for the Army, the Air Force and the Navy to use this unique heavy lift capability in their own mobile and flexible basing needs and requirements. 

We are focusing on the basing shift for the integrated distributed force in a series on defense. info, and will highlight ways in which this new heavy lift helicopter can play a key part in enabling the joint force, in addition to expanding USMC capabilities to work from sea to mobile to expeditionary basing options.

For the most recent piece in the series, see the following:

Managing Co-Evolution of the U.S. Navy and the USMC: The North Atlantic Case

 

U.S. Marines with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) test the capabilities of the CH-53K King Stallion by carrying a light armored vehicle from Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., to Onslow Beach, Camp Lejeune, N.C. on Dec. 16, 2021. Personnel with VMX-1 conducted surge flight operations to test the external lift capability of the CH-53K in support of amphibious operations. It can externally transport 27,000 lbs. over 110 nautical miles and has a max external lift of 36,000 lbs., three times that of the legacy "E" aircraft. The CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter currently being produced and tested to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Ramirez)
A U.S. Marine with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) lowers a hook before testing the capabilities of the CH-53K King Stallion by carrying a light armored vehicle from Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., to Onslow Beach, Camp Lejeune, N.C. on Dec. 16, 2021. Personnel with VMX-1 conducted surge flight operations to test the external lift capability of the CH-53K in support of amphibious operations. It can externally transport 27,000 lbs. over 110 nautical miles and has a max external lift of 36,000 lbs., three times that of the legacy "E" aircraft. The CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter currently being produced and tested to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion.
A U.S. Marine with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) lowers a hook before testing the capabilities of the CH-53K King Stallion by carrying a light armored vehicle from Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., to Onslow Beach, Camp Lejeune, N.C. on Dec. 16, 2021. Personnel with VMX-1 conducted surge flight operations to test the external lift capability of the CH-53K in support of amphibious operations. It can externally transport 27,000 lbs. over 110 nautical miles and has a max external lift of 36,000 lbs., three times that of the legacy "E" aircraft. The CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter currently being produced and tested to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion.
U.S. Marines with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) test the capabilities of the CH-53K King Stallion by carrying a light armored vehicle from Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., to Onslow Beach, Camp Lejeune, N.C. on Dec. 16, 2021. Personnel with VMX-1 conducted surge flight operations to test the external lift capability of the CH-53K in support of amphibious operations. It can externally transport 27,000 lbs. over 110 nautical miles and has a max external lift of 36,000 lbs., three times that of the legacy "E" aircraft. The CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter currently being produced and tested to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Ramirez)
A U.S. Marine with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) watches the light armored vehicle being externally carried by the CH-53K King Stallion from Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., to Onslow Beach, Camp Lejeune, N.C. on Dec. 16, 2021. Personnel with VMX-1 conducted surge flight operations to test the external lift capability of the CH-53K in support of amphibious operations. It can externally transport 27,000 lbs. over 110 nautical miles and has a max external lift of 36,000 lbs., three times that of the legacy "E" aircraft. The CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter currently being produced and tested to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Ramirez)
A U.S. Marine with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) watches the light armored vehicle being externally carried by the CH-53K King Stallion from Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., to Onslow Beach, Camp Lejeune, N.C. on Dec. 16, 2021. Personnel with VMX-1 conducted surge flight operations to test the external lift capability of the CH-53K in support of amphibious operations. It can externally transport 27,000 lbs. over 110 nautical miles and has a max external lift of 36,000 lbs., three times that of the legacy "E" aircraft. The CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter currently being produced and tested to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Ramirez)
A U.S. Marine with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) watches a light armored vehicle being externally carried by the CH-53K King Stallion from Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., to Onslow Beach, Camp Lejeune, N.C. on Dec. 16, 2021. Personnel with VMX-1 conducted surge flight operations to test the external lift capability of the CH-53K in support of amphibious operations. It can externally transport 27,000 lbs. over 110 nautical miles and has a max external lift of 36,000 lbs., three times that of the legacy "E" aircraft. The CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter currently being produced and tested to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Ramirez)
A U.S. Marine with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) watches a light armored vehicle being externally carried by the CH-53K King Stallion from Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., to Onslow Beach, Camp Lejeune, N.C. on Dec. 16, 2021. Personnel with VMX-1 conducted surge flight operations to test the external lift capability of the CH-53K in support of amphibious operations. It can externally transport 27,000 lbs. over 110 nautical miles and has a max external lift of 36,000 lbs., three times that of the legacy "E" aircraft. The CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter currently being produced and tested to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric Ramirez)
U.S. Marines with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) test the capabilities of the CH-53K King Stallion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Dec. 16, 2021. Personnel with VMX-1 conducted surge flight operations to test the external lift capability of the CH-53K in support of amphibious operations. It can externally transport 27,000 lbs. over 110 nautical miles and has a max external lift of 36,000 lbs., three times that of the legacy "E" aircraft. The CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter currently being produced and tested to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel Lyden)
U.S. Marines with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) test the capabilities of the CH-53K King Stallion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Dec. 16, 2021 Personnel with VMX-1 conducted surge flight operations to test the external lift capability of the CH-53K in support of amphibious operations. It can externally transport 27,000 lbs. over 110 nautical miles and has a max external lift of 36,000 lbs., three times that of the legacy "E" aircraft. The CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter currently being produced and tested to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel Lyden)
U.S. Marines with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) test the capabilities of the CH-53K King Stallion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Dec. 16, 2021 Personnel with VMX-1 conducted surge flight operations to test the external lift capability of the CH-53K in support of amphibious operations. It can externally transport 27,000 lbs. over 110 nautical miles and has a max external lift of 36,000 lbs., three times that of the legacy "E" aircraft. The CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter currently being produced and tested to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel Lyden)
U.S. Marines with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) test the capabilities of the CH-53K King Stallion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Dec. 16, 2021 Personnel with VMX-1 conducted surge flight operations to test the external lift capability of the CH-53K in support of amphibious operations. It can externally transport 27,000 lbs. over 110 nautical miles and has a max external lift of 36,000 lbs., three times that of the legacy "E" aircraft. The CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter currently being produced and tested to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel Lyden)
U.S. Marines with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) test the capabilities of the CH-53K King Stallion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Dec. 16, 2021. VMX-1 brought the CH-53K into the supportability test plan, where they will conduct a logistical assessment on the maintenance, sustainment and overall logistical support of the King Stallion. The CH-53K is meant to replace the Marine Corps’ fleet of CH-53 heavy-lift helicopters. The King Stallion has several upgrades over the legacy aircraft including a glass cockpit and fly-by-wire controls. It can internally transport 27,000lbs., over 110 nautical miles and has a max external lift of 36,000 lbs., three times that of the legacy “E” aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel Lyden)
U.S. Marines with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) test the capabilities of the CH-53K King Stallion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Dec. 16, 2021. Personnel with VMX-1 conducted surge flight operations to test the external lift capability of the CH-53K in support of amphibious operations. It can externally transport 27,000 lbs. over 110 nautical miles and has a max external lift of 36,000 lbs., three times that of the legacy "E" aircraft. The CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter currently being produced and tested to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel Lyden)
U.S. Marines with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) test the capabilities of the CH-53K King Stallion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Dec. 16, 2021. Personnel with VMX-1 conducted surge flight operations to test the external lift capability of the CH-53K in support of amphibious operations. It can externally transport 27,000 lbs. over 110 nautical miles and has a max external lift of 36,000 lbs., three times that of the legacy "E" aircraft. The CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter currently being produced and tested to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel Lyden)
U.S. Marines with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) test the capabilities of the CH-53K King Stallion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Dec. 16, 2021 Personnel with VMX-1 conducted surge flight operations to test the external lift capability of the CH-53K in support of amphibious operations. It can externally transport 27,000 lbs. over 110 nautical miles and has a max external lift of 36,000 lbs., three times that of the legacy "E" aircraft. The CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter currently being produced and tested to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel Lyden)
U.S. Marines with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) test the capabilities of the CH-53K King Stallion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Dec. 16, 2021. Personnel with VMX-1 conducted surge flight operations to test the external lift capability of the CH-53K in support of amphibious operations. It can externally transport 27,000 lbs. over 110 nautical miles and has a max external lift of 36,000 lbs., three times that of the legacy "E" aircraft. The CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter currently being produced and tested to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel Lyden)
U.S. Marines with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) test the capabilities of the CH-53K King Stallion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Dec. 16, 2021. Personnel with VMX-1 conducted surge flight operations to test the external lift capability of the CH-53K in support of amphibious operations. It can externally transport 27,000 lbs. over 110 nautical miles and has a max external lift of 36,000 lbs., three times that of the legacy "E" aircraft. The CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter currently being produced and tested to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel Lyden)
U.S. Marines with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) test the capabilities of the CH-53K King Stallion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Dec. 16, 2021. Personnel with VMX-1 conducted surge flight operations to test the external lift capability of the CH-53K in support of amphibious operations. It can externally transport 27,000 lbs. over 110 nautical miles and has a max external lift of 36,000 lbs., three times that of the legacy "E" aircraft. The CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter currently being produced and tested to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel Lyden)
U.S. Marines with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) test the capabilities of the CH-53K King Stallion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Dec. 16, 2021. Personnel with VMX-1 conducted surge flight operations to test the external lift capability of the CH-53K in support of amphibious operations. It can externally transport 27,000 lbs. over 110 nautical miles and has a max external lift of 36,000 lbs., three times that of the legacy "E" aircraft. The CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter currently being produced and tested to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel Lyden)
U.S. Marines with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) test the capabilities of the CH-53K King Stallion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Dec. 16, 2021. Personnel with VMX-1 conducted surge flight operations to test the external lift capability of the CH-53K in support of amphibious operations. It can externally transport 27,000 lbs. over 110 nautical miles and has a max external lift of 36,000 lbs., three times that of the legacy "E" aircraft. The CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter currently being produced and tested to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel Lyden)