| The CH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant was the backbone of air rescue
operations for downed pilots. It was capable of air refueling from a tanker-modified C-130
to extend its mission time. It was large and heavy enough that it usually taxied to a
runway (given that one was available) and did a rolling takeoff more reminiscent of a
fixed wing aircraft than a helicopter. The real purpose of this exercise was to minimize
rotor damage caused by the air turbulence characteristic of a vertical takeoff. This
picture shows the machine sitting in its protective revetment at Bien Hoa. |
