Heavy Metal (of the rotary kind)

[HeyJoe]

Just curious, how often do you all aerial refuel? And if you do, is it off of USAF MC/HC-130's or Marine KC's? And why, it doesn't strike me as necessary for normal ops?

Even though MC2 Johnson doesn't know correct T/M/S for Air Force MC-130H/E, here's proof it is a regular event

090721-N-9950J-547 CORAL SEA (July 21, 2009) Marine Capt. Erick Min, assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron Two Six Two (HMM-262), pilots a CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopter during an in-flight refueling with an Air Force KC-130 aircraft during exercise Talisman Saber 2009 (TS09). HMM-262 is embarked aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) to participate in TS09, a biennial, combined training activity designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting combined operations, which will help improve combat readiness and interoperability between Australian and U.S. forces (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Johnson/Released)

 

[Flash]

Even though MC2 Johnson doesn't know correct T/M/S for Air Force MC-130H/E, here's proof it is a regular event.....

I knew the Marines do it but I was wondering specifically about the Navy MH-53's. The question was answered by an HM dude, thanks!

 

[BigIron]

Case in point.....we just did it last week. Made some instructors, etc.

 

[HeyJoe]

If you have "been there, done that", downwash from an "Echo" can exceed 100+ knots

091012-N-7130B-146 PADANG, Indonesia (Oct. 12, 2009) Military and relief agency personnel use their bodyweight to prevent relief supplies from being swept away by the downdraft created by a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 265 (Reinforced). The helicopter is transporting relief supplies to regions of West Sumatra affected by a powerful earthquake. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Burden/Released)

 

[Stearmann4]

Even we used to drive by the USMC 53's when they were in Bagram and stare..."Look at the size of the f*&ckin' rotor system!"

MR-

 

[BigIron]

Even we used to drive by the USMC 53's when they were in Bagram and stare..."Look at the size of the f*&ckin' rotor system!"

MR-

It's a Big'n.

 

[BigIron]

 

[BigIron]

 

[BACONATOR]

Damn, it's amazing to me how relatively tiny the pitch change rods look next to that MASSIVE swashplate and rotor blades.

 

[HAL Pilot]

It's a Big'n.

This picture shows perfectly that there is just too much that can go wrong with these things...

 

[BigIron]

One last one.....video of 53 taxi to fuel pits. Tight turn for the big iron.

 

[E5B]

What a great AC. It's a lot more maneuverable than one might think.

 

[OscarMyers]

What a great AC. It's a lot more maneuverable than one might think.

I would say so, not sure if this video made it on here yet.

http://www.griffin-helicopters.co.uk/videos/H-53 Loops and Rolls.mpeg

 

[HAL Pilot]

What a great AC. It's a lot more maneuverable than one might think.

I would say so, not sure if this video made it on here yet.

http://www.griffin-helicopters.co.uk/videos/H-53%20Loops%20and%20Rolls.mpeghttp://www.griffin-helicopters.co.uk/videos/H-53 Loops and Rolls.mpeghttp://www.griffin-helicopters.co.uk/videos/H-53 Loops and Rolls.mpeg

Back in the early 1980s when P-cola had a NARF, we'd watch their test pilots loop 53s as part of their acceptance flights. Always a good show.

 

[Lawman]

One last one.....video of 53 taxi to fuel pits. Tight turn for the big iron.

Powered nose wheel steering? Or toe brakes on the Mains?