The Super Frelon originated from two prototypes of the SA 3200 Frelon [Hornet], the first of which was flown for the first time on 10 June 1959.

Although only 97 examples of the Sikorsky YCH-54A, CH-54A and CH-54B Tarhe series of heavy lift sky crane helicopters was delivered to the US Army between 1964 and 1972, they had a long and productive life and 26 years after entering service they were equipping units of the US Army

The Mi-26 was designed to replace the Mi-6 and in fact provide between 50% and 100% greater capability, with a hold similar in size to that of a C-130 Hercules.

The concept of the C-17 commenced in the late 1970s when the United States was looking for a new long-range transport.