"USMC confident of CH-53K IOC in 2019 despite setbacks" Topic

"The US Marine Corps (USMC) is still optimistic about putting the developmental Sikorsky CH-53K heavy lift helicopter into service on schedule in 2019 despite technical difficulties encountered earlier this year, the USMC's top aviator said on 19 May.

"I'm pretty sure we'll make our first flight this year," said Lieutenant General Jon Davis, the USMC deputy commandant for aviation. "I see nothing that will slow us down from making [initial operational capability] IOC in 2019," he added. "Pretty soon after that, we'll get into … full-rate production." Lt Gen Davis was speaking at a Defense Writers Group breakfast in Washington, DC.

A failure in the main gear box of the CH-53K prompted the need for redesign of that component, officials revealed in April. They attributed the failure to a problem with quill rods, the bolts that hold the gear box together. Lt Gen Davis said engineers have "beefed up" the quill rods. "From what I've seen, those engineers down there have the issue under control," he added. "Right now, they have told me … we will fly this year."
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Amicalement
Armand

Huh…..I honestly thought we already the -53K's in service.

@Noble: No, we currently have lots of three-engined H-53Es in service, with the -Ks only in nonflying prototypes.

We've retired all the two-engined H53 versions, including the MH53J Pave Lows.