BeechTalk - BT - USMC CH-53, F-35 & C-130

Username Protected · **Posted:** 29 Apr 2024, 06:40

Very nice Doug. We had C130's and CH53's at Camp Futenma MAG36 1MAW back the 70s'
A fun time for me.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 29 Apr 2024, 08:08

I was at Pax last week, and saw the hookup and takeoff. That King Stallion is a beast of a helicopter.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 29 Apr 2024, 08:31

I watched the video before I saw it posted here but I didn't see anywhere an explanation for the need to transport the F-35 to Lakehurst. Anyone have any information on the WHY?
I've had a few peers who ended up flying the -53E, I don't know much about the -53K. My little time in the left seart of a helo was in a -53A! :thumbup:

Good memories. :thumbup:

Username Protected · **Posted:** 29 Apr 2024, 10:13

I heard it was an empty hull (no engine)

Username Protected · **Posted:** 29 Apr 2024, 10:27

That load probably cost more than the equivalent weight in gold.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 29 Apr 2024, 10:49

Username Protected wrote:

That load probably cost more than the equivalent weight in gold.

Interesting conjecture …

Empty weight: 32,300#
F-135 Engine: 3,750#
Sling load: 28,550# = 456,800 oz
F-35B cost: $109 million = $238.62/oz
Au spot mkt: $2,348.20/oz

Username Protected · **Posted:** 29 Apr 2024, 16:38

https://www.twz.com/air/check-out-this- ... -a-kc-130j

"The King Stallion carried the "inoperable airframe, which was without mission and propulsion systems, outer wings, or additional equipment" from Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland to Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Lakehurst some 160 miles to the northeast, according to a caption accompanying the picture seen at the top of this story, which was released yesterday."

Username Protected · **Posted:** 29 Apr 2024, 17:34

In addition from the article:

Quote:

"A Marine CH-53K with a pilot from Marine Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) at the controls recently did all of this while helping move the remains of the first F-35C test jet, also known as CF-1, from one base to another on April 24.

What's left of CF-1 will be used for "future emergency recovery systems testing" at its new home in New Jersey, the Navy says."

Username Protected · **Posted:** 01 May 2024, 10:04

Username Protected wrote:

https://www.twz.com/air/check-out-this-marine-ch-53k-carrying-an-f-35c-while-refueling-from-a-kc-130j

"The King Stallion carried the "inoperable airframe, which was without mission and propulsion systems, outer wings, or additional equipment" from Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland to Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Lakehurst some 160 miles to the northeast, according to a caption accompanying the picture seen at the top of this story, which was released yesterday."

Would that external load impact the range that much? According to the internet, a CH-53 without external fuel pods has a range of 540nm.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 01 May 2024, 21:23

Username Protected wrote:

Would that external load impact the range that much? According to the internet, a CH-53 without external fuel pods has a range of 540nm.

I’m going to take a wild guess that there was limited practical decision making beyond a photo op and “because we can”. There’s also a statement of 60 and 70 year old brute force technology sling-loading state-of-the-art.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 02 May 2024, 01:47

Just get the job done! :-)

Did anyone notice the two fuel hoses run out in case one failed?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 03 May 2024, 09:03

This reminds me of a evening in the bath bathing our young son. He was a fan of the Richard Scarey books and anything with an engine. My wife drew on the side of the bathtub in crayon a tow truck towing a tow truck, towing a tow truck……. It was the funniest thing he saw ever.

And yesterday he just passed his Commercial Written on his way to becoming a professional pilot.

Total thread drift but thanks for the memory jog.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 03 May 2024, 09:29

Attachment:

PchartMedium.jpeg

Username Protected · **Posted:** 05 May 2024, 17:30

Username Protected wrote:

Would that external load impact the range that much? According to the internet, a CH-53 without external fuel pods has a range of 540nm.

I’m going to take a wild guess that there was limited practical decision making beyond a photo op and “because we can”. There’s also a statement of 60 and 70 year old brute force technology sling-loading state-of-the-art.