Design
The CH-53K is a general redesign with new engines and cockpit layout. The CH-53K will use General Electric GE38-1B engines rated at 7,500 shp (5,600 kW) each and will be able to fly 20 knots (23 mph, 37 km/h) faster than its CH-53E predecessor.
It will feature a new digital glass cockpit with fly-by-wire controls, a new elastomeric hub system, and composite rotor blades to improve "hot and high" performance. The CH-53K will also include an improved external cargo handling system, survivability enhancements, and improvements to extend service life. The cabin will be 30 ft (9.1 m) long by 9 ft (2.7 m) wide by 6.5 ft (2.0 m) tall. Its cabin will be 1 foot (30 cm) wider and 15% larger, but will have new shorter composite sponsons.
The CH-53K is to surpass the capability of the CH-53E by carrying nearly double the external payload of 27,000 lb (12,200 kg) over the same radius of 110 nmi (204 km). The CH-53K's payload reaches a maximum of 35,000 lb (15,900 kg). The CH-53K's maximum gross weight will be 84,700 lb (38,400 kg), which is increased over the CH-53E's 73,500 lb (33,300 kg). The CH-53K will keep approximately the same footprint as the CH-53E.
The CH-53K can carry two 463L master pallets, eliminating the need to break apart pallets between airlifter and helicopter.
Read more about this topic: Sikorsky CH-53K Super Stallion
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