Looks like CF-1. Its just a shape. KC-130 looks like a KC-130T from VX-20. Mostly contractors (mostly retired/former Marines). The USMC test pilots are all "J" guys.
Huh. I just watched a YouTube of a huge whale that apparently beached itself trying to escape an orca attack. Nothing to do but watch it die. I couldn't help but think, "CH-53K!"
It was a test platform, probably one of the original airframes that's been used and abused in during the R&D phase of the F-35. There was no engine in the F-35.
That's an awful lot of expensive hardware to be flying around the sky! Fantastic air lift exercise, I guess, impressive expertise and precision.
Any reason they didn't just fly the F35 from one base to the other? ;-)
From the article on The War Zone, the F-35 is the remnants of the first test aircraft and no longer has an engine.
https://www.twz.com/air/check-out-this-marine-ch-53k-carrying-an-f-35c-while-refueling-from-a-kc-130j
Aw yeah. Beautiful manoeuvre.
Hey, Ryan's got European viewers! Welcome!
Here is a news story with all the details
https://www.navair.navy.mil/news/CH-53K-lifts-F-35C-external-load-test/Tue-01242023-0936
The story puts everything in context. Fantastic external lift capability clearly demonstrated!
Looks like CF-1. Its just a shape. KC-130 looks like a KC-130T from VX-20. Mostly contractors (mostly retired/former Marines). The USMC test pilots are all "J" guys.
hahah! The promo at the end was great. Reagan bringing the cooperation theme at the end was great, Ryan!
Huh. I just watched a YouTube of a huge whale that apparently beached itself trying to escape an orca attack. Nothing to do but watch it die. I couldn't help but think, "CH-53K!"
Disaster was averted because no zeppelins were landing at Lakehurst at the time.
Why didn't they just fly the jet to the base?!?
It was a test platform, probably one of the original airframes that's been used and abused in during the R&D phase of the F-35. There was no engine in the F-35.
Yea Ryan ended up answering that after I left the comment but tx!
Damn. That’s some serious skill.