Photo By Cpl. Michelle Piehl | A KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 “Raiders,”...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – A CH-53E Super Stallion flies close enough to a KC-130J Hercules that the rivets outlining the frame can be counted. Round metal baskets hang from the wings of the mammoth-sized aircraft, attached to fuel hoses. A long probe extends from the front of the Super Stallion, poised like a well aimed dart. The frequencies of the propellers combine, creating a pulsating hum in the rotors as the aircraft connect mid-air.
With accurate precision, Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 “Flying Tigers” participated in an aerial refueling exercise with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 “Raiders,” which began aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., April 26.
The two Super Stallions and Hercules participated in a six-hour training event over San Clemente Island, Calif., and over the Pacific Ocean.
The training event consists of day and night maneuvers to qualify pilots in aerial refueling. Six pilots took turns training in the in-air “hot seat.”
Each pilot is required to successfully conduct several dry-plugs before completing a wet-plug, in which fuel is transferred from the Hercules to the Super Stallion, explained Maj. Eric D. Purcell, the aircraft maintenance officer with HMH-361 and a New Milford, Conn., native.
“The first time you do it, you are uncomfortably close to a [KC-130J,]” said Purcell. “It’s just sort of the nature of the beast.”
Each helicopter takes off with approximately 16,000 pounds of fuel. A CH-53E has the capability of running at least four hours before needing a refuel. For each hour of the flight, approximately 3,600 pounds of fuel is burned.
According to Purcell, an estimated 8,000 pounds of fuel was transferred during the flight. Conducting training missions such as this ensure pilots and aircraft have the capability to fly longer distances.
The CH-53E flies behind a KC-130J with baskets hooked to a fuel hose extending from the wings, explains Sgt. Benjamin A. Timm, a crew chief with HMH-361 and a Detriot native. The refueling probe plugs into the basket, giving the ability to refuel midair, he continued.
The day-to-night refueling mission is vital for pilots to practice several times in order to stay mission ready for any circumstance, explained Timm.
A pilot must use night vision, which cuts depth perception and visibility to about 40 degrees, explained Timm.
Purcell added that the day refuel is a prerequisite to the night refuel. Although the night vision has an array of challenges not experienced in daytime flying, Purcell believes the benefit of less distraction and calmer night air makes training less stressful.
“You’re flying at 120 knots, you’re at 5,000 feet, and you’re trying to take something the size of a Pringles can and put it in something the size of a dart board,” said Timm.
Despite the complexity of an aerial refuel, the procedure is of vital importance to accomplishing the missions of the Marine Corps and is currently used in Operation Enduring Freedom among other Marine operations today.
Members of the flight crew of HMH-361 conduct aerial refuel training about a dozen times per year. Conducting training missions such as these ensure that the “Flying Tigers” remain prepared to fight, to protect and to be mission-ready in any circumstance, no matter how long or how distant.
| Date Taken: | 04.26.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 04.27.2012 18:25 |
| Story ID: | 87496 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | DETROIT, MICHIGAN, US |
| Hometown: | NEW MILFORD, CONNECTICUT, US |
| Hometown: | SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 325 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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