Way back when, I flew the old CH-53D. Great bird, but this new Kilo is awesome!
“This new helo will be capable of carrying 27,000 pounds –nearly three times the amount of its predecessor. It will be able to carry these massive loads over 110 nautical miles under challenging “hot and high” conditions.”
That 27K pound payload is for “hot and high” conditions. Sea level, cold day should be higher. The 53D payload was 16K, the 53E was 32K, IIRC.
Was Crew Chief on the “Ds” in mid 70s, loved flying on that bird.
This one really looks nice, and will end the feud about who is the Heavy Lift Champion.