Rotorcraft
Marines' CH-53K King Stallion Takes to the Air for First Flight
The first flight of the new heavy-lift helicopter was delayed from last year by issues with its gearbox and other technical challenges.
The EDM-1 prototype of the new CH-53K hovers above ground at Sikorsky's flight-test center in Florida. (Photo: Sikorsky Aircraft)
The EDM-1 prototype of the new CH-53K hovers above ground at Sikorsky's flight-test center in Florida. (Photo: Sikorsky Aircraft)

The U.S. Marine Corps’ CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter prototype made its first flight October 27 from the West Palm Beach, Fla., facility of manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft. The first of four planned engineering development models (EDM) flew for 30 minutes in a ground effect hover up to 30 feet above the ground.