CH-53K King Stallion

The CH-53K King Stallion is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) managed by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) under Acquisition Category IC. The program involves the development and production of a heavy-lift cargo helicopter intended to replace the U.S. Marine Corps' aging CH-53E Super Stallion fleet. Following the Major Capability Acquisition pathway, the CH-53K program represents a significant modernization of the Marine Corps' vertical heavy-lift capabilities, incorporating advanced technologies and improved performance characteristics.

Contract awards associated with the program range from small purchase orders of $6,800 to major definitive contracts exceeding $3.2 billion, with performance periods typically spanning 1-5 years. Primary contractors include Lockheed Martin Corporation's Sikorsky Aircraft and Rotary And Mission Systems divisions, General Electric Company (GE Aviation/GE Edison Works) for T-64 engines, and Raytheon Technologies subsidiaries. Common contract types include firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery orders, with work primarily performed in Stratford, Connecticut, West Lynn, Massachusetts, and various supplier locations. While most large awards are unrestricted, the program utilizes small business set-asides for specialized tooling, ground support equipment, and components, particularly through 8(a) and woman-owned small business designations. The Naval Air Systems Command and Naval Supply Systems Command serve as the primary funding agencies, focusing on aircraft production, sustainment, engineering services, and logistics support.