Description:
The
mission of the CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter in a Marine Medium
Helicopter (HMM) squadron is to provide all-weather, day/night, night
vision goggle (NVG) assault transport of combat troops, supplies, and
equipment during amphibious and subsequent operations ashore. Troop
assault is the primary function and the movement of supplies and
equipment is secondary. Additional tasks are: combat and assault
support for evacuation operations and other maritime special
operations; over-water search and rescue augmentation; support for
mobile forward refueling and rearming points; aeromedical evacuation of
casualties from the field to suitable medical facilities.
Background:
The CH-46 Sea Knight was first procured in 1964 to meet the medium-lift
requirements of the Marine Corps in Viet Nam with a program buy of 600
aircraft. The aircraft has served the Marine Corps in all combat and
peacetime environments. However, normal airframe operational and
attrition rates have taken the assets to the point where a medium lift
replacement is required. The safety and capability upgrades are interim
measures to allow continued safe and effective operation of the Sea
Knight fleet until a suitable replacement is fielded. |
|
