The Marine Corps’ enormous King Stallion chopper is ready for battle
Not only is the King Stallion the United States Marine Corps’ largest helicopter, but it is also the largest, most powerful helicopter under the auspices of the Department of Defense. The CH-53K King Stallion lifts three times more than its predecessor and will help Marines get men and equipment from ship to shore and throughout littoral areas. According to a recent U.S. Marine Corps press release, the CH-53K King Stallion, the Marine Corps’ newest aviation platform, has achieved initial operational capability. “My full confidence in the CH-53K’s ability to execute the heavy lift mission is the result of successful developmental and operational testing conducted by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21 and Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 1,” said LTG. Mark Wise, deputy commandant for aviation. Initial operational capability is a state in which a platform is available to be deployed and maintained but has not been fully distributed to all units. ...