The U.S. Marine Corps received the most powerful helicopter ever developed when a CH-53K King Stallion landed on Wednesday at its station in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
The first of 200 helicopters arrived at Marine Corps Air Station New River at a cost of $122 million per unit, CNBC reported. The heavy carry aircraft can lift 27,000 pounds and carry four Humvees for more than 100 miles.
The Marine Corps Times reported that its ability to carry such heavy weights is three times more than its predecessor, the CH-53E.
The Times said the CH-53K, built by Sikorsky, a unit of Lockheed Martin, had its first international debut at ILA Berlin air show in April and in January lifted a 19,000 pound Joint Light Tactical Vehicle 100 feet for about 10 minutes.
"I am very proud of the work accomplished to deliver the most powerful helicopter ever designed into the hands of our Marines," said Marine Lt. Gen. Steven Rudder, deputy commandant for aviation, per CNBC.
Rudder said the helicopter will continue to be tested and he hopes to declare it ready for deployment by the end of 2019.
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