May 23 (UPI) -- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has received a $55 million modification to a previously awarded contract for the long-lead support of low-rate production of four Lot II CH-53K King Stallion helicopters.
The work will be conducted at the Sikorsky plant in Stratford, Conn and is expected to be completed by March 2022, the Department of Defense announced Monday. Fiscal 2017 Navy procurement funds in the amount of $55 million have been allocated to the program. None of the funds will expire by the end of this fiscal year.
The CH-53K King Stallion is an upgrade to the series of Sea Stallion heavy-lift helicopters that have been in use for more than 50 years. The Sea Stallion saw extensive action during the Vietnam War, and has served as a staple of naval aviation.
The King Stallion is meant for transporting humanitarian aid, combat troops and medical evacuation. It can also be used for special forces operations and combat search and rescue.
The King Stallion can carry up to 27,000 pounds of external sling load. It can carry artillery pieces and Humvee utility vehicles and it's cabin is capable of carrying 463 pallets for cargo transportation.
