The successful line of Sikorsky Aircraft’s long-running CH-53 series of helicopters found renewed emphasis in the 21st century with its latest iteration: the unmatched King Stallion.

As an evolution of its predecessors, the CH-53K King Stallion resulted from 50 years of development and operational excellence. Able to carry up to 36,000 pounds on its single center point cargo hook, the robust helicopter entered service with the US Marine Corps as the service’s main heavy-lift helicopter just in time.

In the fall of 2021, a MH-60S got stuck in the White Mountains of California. And there was only one aircraft powerful enough to retrieve it.

As Lieutenant Colonel Luke Frank, leader of the Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One, stated: (QUOTE) “This is exactly what the K is made to do. Heavy lift is a unique and invaluable mission for the Marine Corps. Horsepower is our weapon system and the CH-53K is armed to the teeth.”



---

Join Dark Skies as we explore the world of aviation with cinematic short documentaries featuring the biggest and fastest airplanes ever built, top-secret military projects, and classified missions with hidden untold true stories. Including US, German, and Soviet warplanes, along with aircraft developments that took place during World War I, World War 2, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf War, and special operations mission in between.

As images and footage of actual events are not always available, Dark Skies sometimes utilizes similar historical images and footage for dramatic effect and soundtracks for emotional impact. We do our best to keep it as visually accurate as possible.

All content on Dark Skies is researched, produced, and presented in historical context for educational purposes. We are history enthusiasts and are not always experts in some areas, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with corrections, additional information, or new ideas.