Upgrading Our Military’s Heavy Vertical Lift Capability

[rangerrebew]

Upgrading Our Military’s Heavy Vertical Lift Capability
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By George Landrith
May 20, 2019
 
It is time to upgrade our military's heavy-lift helicopter capabilities. The current workhorse, the CH-47 Chinook, has served our country since 1962. Despite its age, the Chinook is still the most capable heavy lift helicopter on the planet — flying at almost 200 miles per hour which is roughly the speed that the Army wants its next-generation Scout aircraft to fly. Our allies use the Chinook as well — precisely because of its utility and capability.
 
Over the years, the Chinook has been upgraded and new technology built in.  As a result, our allies use the Chinook because it is a highly capable platform, and it is the world class heavy lift helicopter. However, the military's needs have grown, and additional capabilities are needed. The question is how to most effectively and efficiently meet those needs.

https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2019/05/20/upgrading_our_militarys_heavy_vertical_lift_capability_114437.html

[RetBobbyMI]

Upgrades to the shithook would only bring marginal increases to lift capabilities. If the Army needs more then it needs another platform as the Army Secretary stated. But...we once had an aircraft that had a very heavy lift capability, the sky crane. Sikorsky could probably roll off a few in relatively short order.