The Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion is the largest and heaviest helicopter in the United States military inventory. It was developed by Sikorsky Aircraft in the late 1970s to provide the U.S. Marine Corps with a heavy-lift helicopter capable of carrying troops, vehicles, artillery, and supplies in demanding environments.
Key Details:
- Role: Heavy-lift transport helicopter
- Introduced: 1981 (entered USMC service)
- Crew: 5 (2 pilots, 1 crew chief, 2 aerial gunners)
- Capacity:
- Up to 55 troops, or
- 24,000 lb (10,886 kg) of cargo internally, or
- 36,000 lb (16,330 kg) externally via sling load
- Engines: 3 × General Electric T64-GE-416/416A turboshafts
- Maximum Speed: ~170 knots (315 km/h)
- Range: ~621 nmi (1,150 km) with external tanks
- Rotor System: 7-blade main rotor
Special Features:
- The only Western helicopter with three engines in its class.
- Has an in-flight refueling probe, extending its operational range.
- Can carry vehicles like the HMMWV (Humvee) and even small boats.
- Equipped with defensive countermeasures and machine guns for self-protection.
Operational Use:
- Primarily flown by the U.S. Marine Corps for amphibious assault and heavy-lift operations.
- Also used by the U.S. Navy for mine-sweeping missions.
- Has seen extensive service in conflicts from Desert Storm to Afghanistan and Iraq.
Successor:
The CH-53E is being gradually replaced by the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion, which has improved engines, avionics, payload, and survivability while keeping a similar overall design.
👉 Would you like me to also make a side-by-side comparison between the CH-53E Super Stallion and the newer CH-53K King Stallion so you can see how they differ?
