Sikorsky building CH-53K prototype: "The first of five prototype CH-53K Super Stallion helicopters is being built by Sikorsky at its Assembly and Flight Operations center in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Sikorsky, in a news release from the Paris Air Show, said the start of assembly of the ground test vehicle is an indicator of progress toward the system validation test phase of the Heavy Lift Replacement Program.
The CH-53K would replace the CH-53E used by the U.S. Marine Corps.
Sikorsky said when the GTV prototype is assembled, it will be delivered to the Sikorsky Development Flight Center, adjacent to the FAFO facility, to undergo ground-flight testing in early 2012. First flight is expected during fiscal year 2014.
The new aircraft program is planned to include production of more than 200 aircraft."
