Deployment of Large Transport Helicopters by US Marine Corps Imminent

[Researcher Seohyun Park, Aviation Guidance Research Team 2, Defense Agency for Technology and Quality] The U.S. Marine Corps announced that it conducted the first maritime test of Sikorsky's CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift transport helicopter in the Atlantic Ocean over a two-week period last month.

This test evaluated the helicopter's performance in maritime conditions where wind speed and direction change constantly, using the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp. Test items included launch and recovery, rotor start and stop, and compatibility checks for shipboard loading. Additionally, refueling on the ship and interface tests with external power systems were conducted, and chain and securing procedures were evaluated to enable helicopter maintenance on the ship's deck and hangar. During the test period, the helicopter completed 364 takeoffs and landings at nine different locations.

The main rotor and tail of the CH-53K helicopter are designed to automatically fold and unfold to fit the decks and hangars of U.S. Navy ships, and they can successfully perform their functions even in strong winds blowing from all directions. These features are especially important not only for ground-based operations but also for maritime-based operations. During this test, the folding capability was confirmed and evaluated under various windy conditions.

Meanwhile, the CH-53K helicopter completed its initial operational test and evaluation in 2021 and is expected to be deployed to the U.S. Marine Corps between 2023 and 2024.