The CH-53X is now known as Heavy Lift Replacement (HLR).
At this point it is planned as the full monty and the program is up and running.
- First flight scheduled for 2011
- Initial Operating Capability scheduled for 2015
- Full Operating Capability scheduled for 2021
- Development funding approved for fiscal year 2006
- Programmed USMC buy: 156 aircraft
Background on the CH-53D and E:
http://hqinet001.hqmc.usmc.mil/AVN/M..._Wing/ch53.htm
Interesting HLR related topics (have to love the skycrane variant!):
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...oval/index.php
It won't happen tomorrow but it's going to happen.
