Rotorcraft
King Stallion Helicopter Demonstrates Lifting Power
Repositioning and retrieving aircraft is one of the tasks that the CH-53K military helicopter will perform in its operational life.
CH-53K F-35C
The CH-53K from VMX-1 is seen slinging the airframe of the first development F-35C. (Photo: U.S. Navy)

Late last year the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion helicopter demonstrated a key capability by lifting a Lockheed Martin F-35C fighter jet, the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command has announced. This was an important test in the type’s external load certification campaign.

The lift was conducted on December 13 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, by a CH-53K from Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) One. The fighter in question was aircraft “CF-1”: the first developmental example of the F-35C.

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