PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The CH-53K King Stallion helicopter successfully lifted another CH-53K during a recovery rigging evaluation test at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, marking a key milestone in expanding the heavy-lift aircraft’s operational capabilities for the U.S. Marine Corps.
The test, conducted by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 21 (HX-21) under the direction of the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopters Program Office (PMA-261), validated specialized rigging and procedures for recovering a downed or disabled CH-53K. This capability is not yet standardized in U.S. Navy salvage manuals but supports future Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) missions.
Col. Kate Fleeger, program manager for PMA-261, said the test advances the fleet’s readiness. “This is a capability we hope will never be needed in the fleet. However, the continued expansion of the aircraft’s capabilities ensures a faster response to emerging requirements and highlights its ability to perform.”
The lifted aircraft was an Engineering Development Model from the program’s early test phase. Technicians removed its three engines, most gearboxes and tail pylon to reduce weight to approximately 28,000 pounds, well below the CH-53K’s current external lift capacity of 36,000 pounds. The test focused on flight characteristics and load dynamics during a dual-point external lift.
Data and insights from the evaluation will inform updates to the Aircraft Salvage Operations manual, providing standardized procedures for the fleet. The test aircraft will transfer to Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302 (HMHT-302) at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, where it will serve as a Ground Operations Aircrew Trainer for future King Stallion aircrew and maintainers.
The CH-53K King Stallion serves as the Marine Corps’ next-generation heavy-lift helicopter, replacing the CH-53E Super Stallion. It supports transport of troops, equipment and supplies in expeditionary operations. PMA-261 oversees cradle-to-grave management of the entire H-53 family, including procurement, development, support, fielding and disposal.
Southern Maryland’s Naval Air Station Patuxent River, the Navy’s primary flight test center, hosts critical CH-53K testing through HX-21. The base employs thousands and drives economic activity across St. Mary’s County while supporting national defense priorities. Local residents and businesses benefit from the ongoing development of advanced rotary-wing aircraft at the air station.
This heavy-lift test demonstrates the CH-53K’s power and the test team’s innovation in addressing potential real-world scenarios. The aircraft’s external lift envelope allows it to carry significant loads, enhancing Marine Corps flexibility in contested environments.
The milestone arrives as the CH-53K program progresses toward expanded fleet integration. Initial operational capability was declared in 2022, with full-rate production underway and first Marine Expeditionary Unit deployment planned for fiscal year 2027.
PMA-261 continues to refine the platform’s capabilities through rigorous testing at Patuxent River. The recovery rigging evaluation contributes to safer, more effective procedures that could prove vital in future operations.
