The United States in December demonstrated its prowess as the world leader in air assault capabilities during a combined exercise with the United Arab Emirates.

The US Army's world-class aviators and advanced aircraft took to the skies to demonstrate specialized aerial assault capabilities as part of exercise Desert Talon 24.

The drill -- which showcased UH-60 Black Hawk, CH-47 Chinook and AH-64D/E Apache helicopters -- underscored the Army's superior capability in executing rapid, strategic maneuvers via helicopter insertions.

These operations allow the service to carry out the rapid intra-theater movement of battalion or brigade-sized units, maintaining the element of surprise and ensuring operational momentum on the battlefield.

Helicopter insertions are typically safer and faster than those from fixed-wing aircraft because they take place closer to the ground.

The foundation of this capability is built through rigorous training provided by the Air Assault School -- a course offered by the US Army Air Assault School in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

The intensive course, sometimes referred to as "The 10 Toughest Days in the Army," is designed to train soldiers in air assaults, sling loading and rappelling.

It encompasses aircraft safety, aero-medical evacuation procedures, pathfinder operations and the principles and techniques of combat assaults.

The course maintains a challenging standard, with an approximate 45% graduation rate, reflecting its demanding nature.

An invaluable capability

A cornerstone of air assault operations is the CH-47 Chinook helicopter, renowned for its versatility and heavy-lift capabilities.

One of the largest and most recognizable military helicopters in the world, the CH-47 Chinook has provided critical heavy lift capabilities to the US Army for about six decades.

It is the Army's primary heavy-lift troop supply and transport aircraft.

With its unique tandem rotors, the Chinook boasts top speeds exceeding 300 km/h, making it the fastest helicopter in the US Army.

Its speed is unencumbered by its capacity for heavy loads -- including personnel, vehicles and equipment -- at high altitudes and in hot environments.

At its maximum, the CH-47 can transport 36 personnel -- including the minimum three-man crew and 33 outfitted soldiers. These soldiers can parachute or fast rope into a contested environment.

With a sling-load capacity of 11,800kg, it also can carry substantial external loads, such as a 105mm artillery gun along with its ammunition and crew, transport vehicles like the HMMWV, 1,893-liter fuel blivets and cargo nets.

The CH-47, which entered service in the early 1960s, is set to have a series of upgrades and modernizations to ensure another 40 years of service.

The latest CH-47F features an upgraded drivetrain, a reinforced airframe and an enhanced fuel system, new engines, an advanced full glass cockpit equipped with multifunction digital displays and an upgraded flight control system.