As the Israeli Air Force looks to replace its aging fleet of Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion heavy-lift helicopters, known locally as the Yasur, it faces a decision: to purchase the tried, battle-proven Boeing CH-47 Chinook or the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion, a new aircraft that is currently in the development and testing stage. This week, Lockheed Martin, which acquired Sikorsky in 2015, announced that the CH-53K King Stallion program successfully passed its Defense Acquisition Board review and reached "Milestone C," which enables initial, limited production to go forward. Military photographer Yissachar Ruas recently visited Sikorsky's West Palm Beach, Florida development facility, where he was able to fly with the King Stallion and interview test pilots and members of the development team. In this episode of Israel Hayom Insider, Opinion Editor Steve Ganot speaks with Ruas about the King Stallion's design and operational capabilities. Anchor: Steve Ganot. Camera: Doron Persoud. Makeup: Rona Ben-Ezra. Video: Yissachar Ruas.
WATCH: Will the Sikorsky King Stallion do the IAF's heavy lifting?
Why replace the Yasur? • How many helicopters are needed, when, and at what cost? • What new capabilities would the CH-53K bring to the Israeli Air Force • Military photographer Yissachar Ruas speaks with host Steve Ganot about the King Stallion.
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