How the U.S. Marines Practice Escaping a Sinking Helicopter

This is no afternoon in the kiddie pool.

The prospect of a helicopter crash landings is terrifying enough, but the U.S. Marine Corps, as America's amphibious force, have to worry about a possibility that even worse: crashing a helicopter at sea. When a helicopter goes down in the ocean it starts sinking immediately, meaning those aboard must be trained to evacuate as quickly as possible.

Here's a video shot at Marine Corps base Camp Hansen on the Japanese island of Okinawa, of what is officially termed "helicopter underwater egress training." The mechanical contraption simulates the hull of an aircraft such as the V-22 Osprey, UH-1Y, or CH-53E. The hull is quickly lowered into the water, where it turns 180 degrees to simulate a top-heavy helicopter flipping over.

Once the hull stops moving, those inside are expected to be able to manipulate doors and windows, then crawl out on their own. Safety divers accompany each dunking to ensure everyone stays safe.

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