A hugely powerful helicopter whose mechanical issues had delayed it from becoming operational finally deployed to its first Marine training exercise in August in the mountains of Idaho.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The CH-53K King Stallion helicopters can externally carry up to 27,000 pounds for 110 nautical miles, making them three times as powerful as their predecessor, the CH-53E Super Stallion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In practice, that means the King Stallion can transport light armored vehicles long distances from ships to positions inland. The ability to carry heavy loads across long stretches of sea may prove an asset as the threat of China looms<\/a> and the U.S. military turns its attention toward the islands of the Pacific.<\/p>\n\n\n\n