Hercules - Sikorsky CH-53K refueling, another milestone By Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin's legendary Hercules teamed up with the all-new CH-53K helicopter to mark a first for the King Stallion. In a flight lasting 4.5 hours over the Chesapeake Bay, the CH-53K successfully completed an air-to-air refueling (AAR) test with the help of a U.S. Marine Corp KC-130J Super Hercules aerial refueling tanker. The CH-53K repeatedly demonstrated its ability to capture and "plug" the drogue, withstanding turbulent air and the force on the refueling probe at increased closure rates. Sikorsky Test Pilot Rob Pupalaikis was in the cockpit. "Air-to-air refueling is a decisive force multiplier and proving this capability on the CH-53K King Stallion significantly increases the combat potential for the U.S Marine Corp's newest workhorse in its stable, " he said. "The aircraft performed flawlessly during the testing and met all of the program objectives." This was a first for the King Stallion, but it had the experienced KC-130J to guide the way. "Air-to-air refueling is a decisive force multiplier, and proving this capability on the CH 53K King Stallion significantly increases the combat potential for the U.S Marine Corp's newest workhorse in its stable." ~ Rob Pupalaikis, Sikorsky test pilot The KC-130J is the current production model and a variant of the C-130 Hercules, produced by the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics team. Known as a true force multiplier, the KC-130J refuels fixed wing, rotary wing and tilt-rotor aircraft as well as conducts rapid ground refueling. The Hercules family of aircraft has served as the standard for tactical air refueling for almost 60 years. The U.S. Marine Corps operates the largest global KC-130J fleet (soon to be flown by seven global operators), which also relies on the KC-130 to refuel its F-35C jets. A hallmark of the KC-130 is its ability to provide AAR to almost every rotary wing platform in the world through its hose and drogue aerial refueling system. "The KC-130 not only has a long history serving the Marine Corps, but also providing critical fuel requirements to every Sikorsky platform, now to include the CH-53K," said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Aeronautics' Air Mobility & Maritime Mission line of business. "There's much to be proud of in this milestone for the Marine Corps, Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky. This is another moment that once again highlights the workhorse commonality and proven capabilities shared by the Hercules aircraft and Sikorsky helicopters." "This is another moment that once again highlights the workhorse commonality and proven capabilities shared by the Hercules aircraft and Sikorsky helicopters." ~ Rod McLean, Aeronautics vice president and general manager. Air to Air Refueling: Critical to the Mission The ability to refuel in midair is critical to expanding the King Stallion's mission options across all U.S and allied military services. So, when it came to pairing this newbie with a mentor, the Hercules just made sense. With more than 65 years of C-130 operation and customers around the world using the KC-130 for refueling, this freighter knows a thing or two about midair ops. The successful air-to-air refueling test reinforces the superior capabilities of the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter and its ability to carry more Marines, cargo and equipment over longer ranges and in more challenging environments than any other rotorcraft in the world. As the only fully marinized heavy-lift helicopter, this includes open waters, supporting advanced base operations from ship to shore. "The aircraft went to the tanker and it was very successful, proving it is a long-range vertical logistic workhorse," said Col. Jack Perrin, H-53 heavy-lift helicopters (PMA-261) program manager. "The 'K' is the long-range enabler that we need." PLEASE GO TO www.youtube.com/channel/UCCuRVZAGodT6sztTeXBGeMw and subscribe to our YouTube channel

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