Originally Posted by
Ian Corrigible
For what it's worth,
Jane's gives the CH-53K's OEW as being 43,750 lb (vs. 33,226 lb for the CH-53E). The consultancy states an internal MGW of 74,000 lb for the Kilo (vs. 69,750 lb for the Echo), and an external MGW of 88,000 lb for the K (vs. 73,500 lb for the E).
Hmm, that would be a disaster for the 'K'.
That would leave 5klbs less internal payload, only 5klbs more external payload and due to higher fuel consumption a worse payload/range with internal and external load for the 'K' compared to the 'E'. Hard to believe.