For the first time, a CH-53K King Stallion performed a dual point external load and successfully demonstrated the auto-jettison capability of the aircraft, using a 5,000 lb. load.
The test took place Dec. 5 at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation's Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Currently, there are four Engineering Development and Manufacturing Model aircraft in test and one Ground Test Vehicle; combined the aircraft have logged more than 650 flight hours.
CH-53K First Dual Point External Load
The CH-53K King Stallion performed first dual point external load. The four prototypes have logged more than 650 flight hours to date.
