Here’s how USMC CH-53E Super Stallions practice in external lifts

Some interesting pictures of a USMC CH-53E Super Stallion conducting external lifts.

Taken on Jan. 6, 2016, the following cool photos feature U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 2 conducting external lifts in conjunction with a CH-53E from Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 302 at Camp Lejeune, N.C. .

CH-53E HMH 302

The Marines with CLB 2 are responsible for directing the aircraft from the ground and attaching the load with help from crew chief, thus giving them the capability to move heavy loads in a combat environment.

USMC CH-53E

Thanks to its impressive lift capacity in fact the Super Stallion is able to carry a 26,000-pound Light Armored Vehicle, 16 tons of cargo 50 miles and back, or enough Marines to lead and assault or humanitarian operation.

CH-53E CLB 2

The latest version of the iconic CH-53, designed CH-53K King Stallion, will replace the current E variant in the coming years and will feature a lift capacity three times that of the Super Stallion retaining the same size of its predecessor.

Image credit: Lance Cpl. Erick Galera / U.S. Marine Corps