Watch: CH-53K King Stallion Carries F-35 Lightning II While Being Refueled From KC-130

Ever wondered if a helicopter could carry a fighter jet? Well, it turns out that not only can the largest helicopters carry F-35 jets, but they can do so without in-air refueling. On 24 April 2024, the Marines demonstrated the King Stallion’s impressive capabilities and transported a stripped-down F-35C and refueling at the same time. The Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion is the largest and heaviest helicopter in the US military (although the biggest of the world’s heaviest lift helicopters is the Soviet Mil Mi-26). The King Stallion and F-35C represent two of the most expensive and capable aircraft in Marine Corps service.