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| US Marine Corps CH-53K Helicopter Training to Transport F-35B Fighter Jet for the First Time |
International Military - The US Marine Corps (USMC) CH-53K King Stallion heavy transport helicopter, has demonstrated its ability to lift an F-35B jet for the first time at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, USA. The CH-53K of Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One, or popularly known as VMX-1, has lifted the F-35B Lightning II stealth jet externally using a sling.
The USMC said in a release that Marine CLB-24 helicopter support (HST) performed external lift operations of the J-35B STOVL variant (short takeoff and vertical landing) to develop tactics, techniques, and procedures on the CH-53K.
This multi-mission helicopter made by Sikorsky is capable of lifting various payloads of up to 16 tons and can accommodate up to 30 soldiers. This giant helicopter is designed to carry armored vehicles, war equipment, logistics and personnel to support attack operations. Helicopters can fly long distances to targets from sea-based operations centers.
The CH-53K uses three General Electric T-408 engines, which are more powerful and more fuel efficient than the T-64 engines currently installed on the CH-53E helicopter. The CH-53K has a cruising speed of up to 310 km/h, a flight altitude of 4,900 m and an operating range of 850 km.