A technological milestone for the US Marine Corps: A CH-53K King Stallion helicopter successfully lifted another helicopter of the same model into the air in a first-of-its-kind operational test.
The test was carried out by Helicopter Test and Evaluation Squadron HX-21 as part of an examination of recovery procedures for heavy aircraft. The aim was to validate the rigging and lifting methods required for the safe recovery of a damaged or disabled helicopter, a capability that has not yet been formally defined in US Navy manuals.
Video: First footage of Israel's new helicopter in operational activity // US Marine Corps
According to Col. Kate Fleeger, the Marine Corps' helicopter program manager, this is a critical capability. "This is a capability we hope is never needed in an operational setting, but it ensures a rapid and efficient response to complex situations in the field."
During the test, flight characteristics and cargo dynamics were also examined in order to ensure that forces will be able in the future to carry out tactical recovery missions involving aircraft and aircrew.
For the purpose of the test, a development-model helicopter was used, with its weight reduced to about 12.7 tons, a figure within the aircraft's lifting limits, which stand at about 16.3 tons.
The Marine Corps said the data collected would be incorporated into updated procedures and would help expand the advanced lifting capabilities of the model, one of the most powerful helicopters in the world in its class.
At the same time, helicopters of this model are expected to arrive in Israel in 2028 במסגרת a deal estimated at about 400 million shekels (about $106 million). The helicopters will be fitted with advanced Israeli systems, including command-and-control systems, electronics and computers, electronic warfare systems, and missile warning and defense systems.
The 12 new helicopters are expected to enter service in the Israel Defense Forces and replace the aging Yasur helicopters as part of the renewal of the airlift fleet.
