Skilled US Helicopter Pilot Performs Dangerous Mid-Air Refueling

YouTube / The Daily Aviation

Aerial Refueling With A Twist

The US Marine Corps operates the CH-53E Super Stallion, the largest cargo helicopter in the US Military. These helicopters can carry thirty troops or up to 35,000 lbs of payload.

In the video, we get to see six Super Stallions fly in formation at low altitudes during a training mission. Meanwhile, Marines on the ground prepare to hook up two of their HMMWVs to the helicopter for sling load transport. One Marine stabilized the hanging hooks, while others prepared the vehicles’ attachment points. 

Afterward, the CH-53E (now carrying two armored Humvees) is then expected to connect its refueling probe to a C-130 tanker mid-air. For what it’s worth, it felt like the Super Stallion nor its pilot was that bothered by the extra load. That’s why they’re professionals!