A Case for a Tanker Capability for the U. S. Marine Corps’ Heavy Lift Replacement Helicopter

The idea behind this research project was to stimulate interest, dialogue, exploratory investigation, and the application of resources into the concept of an organic, rotary wing based, tanker asset for the U.S Navy’s Expeditionary Strike Group, and its future operations and role in support of Sea Power 21. Material presented was gleaned from numerous aircraft flight manuals, program office documents, contractor literature, and the author’s experiences as a Fleet Marine Force CH-53E pilot. Mission systems are presented using readily available equipment in untested configurations using proven tactics and historical experiences. The results and conclusions make plain the need for an organic tanker asset to become part of the future of littoral warfare and the Navy’s vision for future warfighting strategy.