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Subject: Boeing XCH-62 and Heavy Lift Helicopter..
reefdiver    11/1/2009 4:26:34 PM
The XCH-62 was an oversized CH-46 derivative helicopter designed to carry containerized cargo. It never made it past the prototype, and I'm not certain the prototype was more than a "dummy". Compare the XCH-62's size to the CH-46/47 http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/h-62-pics.htm To me, the concept has merit today. It would be much faster to deliver fully loaded containers. You could likely even have a lightly armored troop carrier container. The copter could drop it, and leave before the troops even disembarked. Deliver weapons of various sizes, ammo, small medical facilities, bunk houses, toilets, C3, small vehicles etc - all configured in standard size shipping containers. Some militaries are already using the standard shipping containers preconfigured into all sorts of uses. Some call this the "Battle Box" concept. This helicopter would just move them fast. I would like to believe this could be developed relatively quickly due to a lot of commonality with the CH-47 although I'm not very optimistic given procurement practices. As the CH-47 has substantially improved performance over the CH-46 common at the time of the XCH-62's, one would expect similar improvements for a new XCH-62.
 
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reefdiver       11/1/2009 6:31:21 PM
 
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WarNerd       11/2/2009 5:48:32 AM
It's not really practical to move the cargo containers without heavy equipment except on hard level ground, which is rare in most locations that cannot be accessed by road, so where you drop the container is where it will stay.  Precision placement is possible, but not something you do under fire.  So there is probably not enough demand for that sort of thing to justify the production.
 
p.s.  Could you sling a cargo container under a CH-47?
 
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stbretnco       11/2/2009 5:53:53 AM
The Sikorsky Skycrane was used in 'nam to emplace artillery in firebases and on hilltops, and one item it carried (IIRC) was  a cargo container sized field aid station.
 
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