Sikorsky increases production of new CH-53K helicopter

The US Navy approved full-rate production of the Sikorsky CH-53K helicopter on Friday, a decision that is expected to increase production to more than 20 helicopters annually in the coming years.

“Ramping up production of the most technologically advanced helicopter in the world allows the U.S. Marine Corps to build out its CH-53K King Stallion fleet,” said Bill Falk, director of the Sikorsky CH-53K program. Sikorsky is a Lockheed Martin company.

A network of more than 200 suppliers across 35 states supports the CH-53K program.

The Marine Corps’ approved acquisition objective is 200 aircraft.

In October 2020, the CH-53K program had five aircraft on the line at Sikorsky facilities in Connecticut and over two dozen in various stages of production.

The Corps declared Initial Operational Capability for the CH-53K helicopter in April, validating the platform’s operational readiness to forward deploy Marines and equipment across the globe.

Production through 2032 and beyond

The CH-53K is a multi-mission helicopter with heavy-lift capabilities that exceed all other U.S. Department of Defense rotary wing aircraft and is the only heavy-lift helicopter that will remain in production through 2032 and beyond. The CH-53K can carry a 27,000-pound external load over 110 nautical miles, which is more than triple the external load-carrying capacity of the legacy CH-53E aircraft.

The CH-53K King Stallion is designed to conduct expeditionary assault transport of armored vehicles, equipment, and personnel to support distributed operations deep inland from a sea-based center of operations. The aircraft can also support humanitarian relief, firefighting, and search and rescue.

Rep. Lofgren appointed lead Democrat for science, space, and technology committee

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-19) has been selected by the House Democratic Caucus to be the ranking member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee in the 118th Congress.

Committee Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30) welcomed the appointment in a press release.

“Congresswoman Lofgren has been a longtime friend and colleague, has served on this committee for many years, and has been integral to moving forward key legislation to improve our scientific enterprise,” Johnson said. “I’m also very glad that the lead Democrat of the committee will continue to be an example to rising generations that women belong in places of leadership and science.”

The committee has exclusive jurisdiction over NASA, the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The committee also has authority over research and development activities at the Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency,  Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service, and the Department of Homeland Security.

“I intend to work in a bipartisan manner to continue to improve the speed of scientific research, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and support our nation’s scientific and space enterprises,” Lofgren said.

Lofgren is also a member of the House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot

New Mexican airline to begin service in first quarter of 2023

Mexico's new regional airline Aerus has purchased two Cessna SkyCourier and four Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft from Textron, Inc. The airline recently took delivery of the first three Grand Caravan EX turboprops.

The aircraft are designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc.

“Both aircraft offer superior performance and low operating costs in combination with flexibility in cabin and payload,” said Marcelo Moreira, vice president of Sales, Latin America region, Textron Aviation.

Based in Monterrey, Mexico, Aerus will cover unserved national and international routes in order to meet the needs of its customers.

“When we looked at options within the market to operate the routes we had in mind, it was a no-brainer decision to choose the Grand Caravan EX and the SkyCourier from Textron Aviation, which will be the cornerstone of the Aerus project,” said Javier Herrera, CEO, Aerus. “We are very proud to be one of the first operators of the new SkyCourier.”

Aerus is part of Grupo Herrera, which has 80 years of experience in the automotive, financial, and real estate industries, and has had an air taxi permit since 1990. The company plans to begin its airline operations in the first quarter of 2023.

Cessna SkyCourier

Built for high utilization operations, the Cessna SkyCourier is a twin-engine, high-wing, large-utility turboprop offered in both cargo and passenger variants. The efficient 19-passenger variant includes crew and passenger doors for smooth boarding.

Cessna Grand Caravan EX

The Grand Caravan EX turboprop was engineered for challenging missions, high and short payloads, and rough runways. It can carry up to 14 occupants with an increased speed and climb capability and offers low operating costs.

RCI Hospitality Holdings buys a restaurant, taproom, and video game arcade in Colorado

RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. announced Wednesday they have purchased a restaurant and taproom in Greenwood Village, Colo. The location is a full-service bar, brewery, and video game arcade. The purchase is part of the company's planned expansion in the greater Denver area.

“Consideration paid was $5.2 million, consisting of $1.875 million in cash and a five-year, 6.67% bank financing note with a 25-year amortization,” the company said in a press release.

The popular 12,500-square-foot food hall offers sushi, Italian sandwiches, Korean dumplings, Mexican dishes, pizza, and Mediterranean specialties. The restaurant is located at 6575 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard.

The plan is to add a mini Bombshells kitchen featuring its famous wings and salads as well as many of its popular appetizers and use the brewery to create its own, signature craft beers for sale in other RCI locations to further differentiate its brands in Colorado.

RCI recently announced the acquisition of sites in Aurora for a Bombshells restaurant and Central City for a Rick's Cabaret Steakhouse and Casino, adding to the company's five adult nightclubs in Denver.

Potential upside in stock shares

Shares of RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RICK) were trading in the $95 range on Wednesday following the restaurant acquisition news. Stock shares have gained 4.6% over the past four weeks.

In an article on Tuesday, Zacks Equity Research says “there could be plenty of upside left in the stock if short-term price targets set by Wall Street analysts are any guide. The mean price target of $122.67 indicates a 35.4% upside potential."

Nevada casino will open two safes that have been locked for 40 years

Nevada's longest-operating casino is offering an exciting look at its history with the opening of two safes that have been locked for the last 40 years. DeSimone Gaming's Railroad Pass Casino in Henderson, Nev., will display the historic findings from the safes on Dec. 29.

The event will kick off at 3:00 p.m. with a champagne toast and reception.

"Because of the vault room's space limitations, the actual openings will be live-streamed into the casino,” DeSimone said in a press release. DeSimone Gaming's founder, Joe DeSimone will open the safes.

Festivities will continue throughout the day culminating with the dedication of a new time capsule at 5:00 p.m. To maintain its place in Nevada's history, artifacts will be included from the Boulder City Council, Henderson City Council, Boulder City Historical Society, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, Hoover Dam, and DeSimone Gaming. It will be opened in 2048, allowing future generations a look at life today.

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