The CH-53K now serves as the most powerful heavy-lift helicopter in U.S. military history, with an external lift capacity of up to 36,000 pounds using its center cargo hook. It is designed to transport 27,000 pounds of payload over a distance of 110 nautical miles in high-temperature, high-altitude conditions, meeting the most demanding lift requirements set by the Marine Corps. Powered by three GE Aerospace T408-GE-400 turboshaft engines generating more than 22,500 total shaft horsepower, the aircraft delivers a substantial increase in lift and mission capability compared to the legacy CH-53E Super Stallion.