CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopter - A Survivability Focused Design

The CH-53K is the next generation, state-of-the-art rotorcraft platform currently under development for the United States Marine Corps. Addressing the Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) for Survivability and Force Protection with the establishment and involvement of a Survivability Team consisting of Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR – China Lake and Patuxent River), Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (SAC), SURVICE Engineering Company (SURVICE), Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E), and the Institute for Defense Analyses(IDA) early in the program, the CH-53K design not only ensures the platform fulfills the Marine Corps requirements but also ensures it is the most advanced, effective, and survivable helicopter possible for the war fighter.