A hugely powerful helicopter whose mechanical issues had delayed it from becoming operational finally deployed to its first Marine training exercise in August in the mountains of Idaho. The CH-53K King Stallion helicopters can externally carry up to 27,000 pounds for 110 nautical miles, making them three times as powerful as their predecessor, the CH-53E Super Stallion. In practice, that means the King Stallion can transport light armored vehicles long distances from ships to positions inland.