Advertisement

First flight of CH-53K helicopter delayed

U.S. Navy officials say the first flight on Sikorsky's CH-53K helicopter for the U.S. Marines will take place later this year.

By Richard Tomkins
The CH-53K at its roll-out ceremony. Photo by Sgt. Mallory S. VanderSchans/U.S. Marine Corps
The CH-53K at its roll-out ceremony. Photo by Sgt. Mallory S. VanderSchans/U.S. Marine Corps

NEW YORK, July 16 (UPI) -- The first flight of Sikorsky Aircraft's CH-53K King Stallion helicopter has been delayed until later this year because of gearbox problems.

The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. Navy officials, reported that problems encountered with the heavy-lift aircraft's gearbox have apparently been resolved but need to undergo further testing.

Advertisement

The CH-53K is a cargo helicopter being developed for the U.S. Marine Corps, which plans to buy 200 of them under a $25.5 billion program. It will normally be able to carry 37 troops, has a payload capacity of 35,000 pounds, and has a combat radius of 110 miles

It was originally scheduled for first flight last year.

No information was provided on the gearbox and other problems encountered in the aircraft's development.

Sikorsky Aircraft is a company of United Technologies Corp. and the maker of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter used by the U.S. military. UTC recently announced it intends to sell the company.

Latest Headlines