CH-53K HEAVY-LIFT HELICOPTER PROGRAM ACQUISITION CASE HISTORY

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Authors
Delgado, Alexis
Subjects
CH-53K
case history
acquisition
Advisors
Mortlock, Robert F.
Date of Issue
2020-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
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Abstract
The purpose of this research is to analyze the acquisition process of the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter. With the ability to carry 27,000 lbs over 110 nautical miles in hot temperatures and within the same shipboard logistic footprint as its predecessor, the CH-53K will be the backbone of the USMC’s ship-to-shore aviation operations. However, numerous performance setbacks have incurred significant cost growth for the USMC and delayed the aircraft’s deployment to 2023–2024, two decades after the program was initiated in 2003. This research examines the program, in the format of a case history, to better understand the decisions and scenarios that led to increased cost growth and delayed schedules. The case history is intended to educate readers on the numerous complex considerations found within any acquisition process, in the hopes of applying the lessons learned to future programs in order to provide the best solution for the warfighter.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Graduate School of Defense Management (GSDM)
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NPS Report Number
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. distribution is unlimited
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.
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