The Perry Airport had some unique visitors Thursday afternoon.
A Boeing Chinook military helicopter was “sling load” towing a historic U.S. Air Force A-7K Corsair II jet from Sioux City to Camp Dodge to be placed on display. The aircrafts stopped at the Perry Municipal airport around 2pm Thursday so that the helicopter could refuel.
Perry airport owner Randy Tarlton says typically the Chinook helicopter can fly from coast to coast without refueling but with the jet in tow, they had to refuel in Carroll and Perry on their way to Johnston. Tarlton says he heard they were able to get about 80 miles per hour when linked together, which he considered pretty good since the Corsair weighs about 13 tons.
Fort Dodge is the final resting place for the two seat jet that has been in storage at the Sioux City Airbase for more than 15 years. It was flown 1977 until 1991, during which time the Sioux City based 185th Tactical Fighter Group won their second General Carp Spaatx trophy, recognizing them as the best Air National Guard unit in the county. The refurbished plane will be on display outdoors at the Gold Star Military Museum.
To watch a video of the helicopter linking up to the jet and flying away, CLICK HERE.