CH-53 Sea Stallion American Heavy-lift Helicopter
CH-53 Sea Stallion
Utility Helicopter
Other
Basic Information
Name
CH-53 Sea Stallion American Heavy-lift Helicopter
Designation
CH-53 Sea Stallion
Alternate Designation
CH-53 Sea Stallion
Equipment Type
Utility Helicopter
Manufacturer
—
Date of Introduction
1966
Description
The CH-53 Sea Stallion is a family of heavy-lift transport helicopters designed and built by Sikorsky Aircraft. Originally developed for use by the United States Marine Corps, it is currently in service with Germany, Iran, Israel, and Mexico. The United States Air Force operated the HH-53 "Super Jolly Green Giant" during the late– and post–Vietnam-War era, updating most of them as the MH-53 Pave Low.
Air & Air Defense Specifications
Crew
3
Engine
Turboshaft (3925 hp)
Variants
CH-53A
Initial Production Model; deliveries to the USMC; 139 airframes produced.
RH-53A
Based on the CH-53A production models; fitted with 2 x General Electric T64-GE-413 engines of 3,925 horsepower; US Navy use as mine countermeasures platform; 15 models converted from CH-53As.
TH-53A
Simplified USAF trainers based on the CH-53A production models.
CH-53D
Powered folding main rotor; increased cabin space for up to 55 passengers; improved transmission system; USMC usage; 125 production airframes.
RH-53D
USN mine countermeasures variant based on the CH-53D production models; in-flight refueling capable; 2 x 12.7mm machine guns for self-defense; 30 new-build for USN and 6 examples delivered to the Iranian Navy pre-1979.
VH-53D
VIP transport variant; 2 CH-53Ds converted to this configuration.
CH-53D "Yas'ur"
Israeli CH-53D model designation.
CH-53G
German Export Model; based on the CH-53D; 112 examples produced; production split by Fokker and Sprey.
CH-53GS
Updated CH-53G models; implementation of anti-missile system and external fuel tanks; revised navigation and communications suite; upgraded T64-100 powerplants; self-defense machine guns.
CH-53GSX
Updated CH-53G production models; revised electronics; dust filters installed; external fuel tanks; countermeasures; six updated as such.
CH-53GA
Updated CH-53G production models; implementation of autopilot system; revised navigation and communications suites; revised cockpit; FLIR; electronic countermeasures; internal fuel tank capacity.
HH-53 "Super Jolly Green Giant"
Super Jolly Green Giant" - Long Range Combat Search and Rescue platform.
MH-53 "Pave Low"
Heavy-lift Helicopter
CH-53E "Super Stallion"
Heavy-lift Cargo Helicopter.
MH-53E
USN Mine Countermeasures Platform.
System
Alternative Designation
CH-53 Sea Stallion
Type
Heavy-lift Helicopter
Primary Function
Troop Transport, Cargo, VIP Transport, Navy/Maritime
Crew
3 ea
Blades, Main Rotor
6 ea
Blades, Tail Rotor
4 ea
Number of Engines
2 ea
Flight Controls
The CH-53 has mechanical flight controls which are backed by three independent hydraulic systems.
Hard Points
5 ea
Dimensions
Length
29.97 m
Width
22 m
Main Rotor Diameter
24.08 m
Weight, Combat
19,000 kg
Height
7.6 m
Automotive
Engine Name
General Electric T-64-GE-413
Engine Type
Turboshaft Engine
Engine Power
3,925 hp
Cruising Range
600 km
Speed, Maximum
173 knots
Speed, Average
150 knots
Maximum Altitude
5,106 m
Avionics
Navigation Radar
Modernized IFR equipment.
Digital or Analog Cockpit
Most models have been retrofitted with digital components.
Protection
Add on Armor
Partial armor available, decreases flight range and performance.
Stealth Properties
INA
Heat Signature Reduction
INA
NBC Protection
INA
EW Counter Measures/CCM
Equipped, exact detail not released.
Counter Measures (Chaff/Flares)
IR homing missile jammers.
Emergency Water Landing
The fuselage is watertight, though not intended for amphibious use, and is only intended to land on water in emergencies.
Machine Gun, 12.7mm BMG XM218 (Side Doors)
2 ea
Machine Gun, 12.7mm BMG GAU-21 (Rear Ramp)
1 ea
Details
Country of Origin
United States
Category
Transport Helicopter
Air > Transport Helicopter
Filter Label
C
Classification
Domain
Air & Air Defense
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
29.97 m
Width
22 m
Height
7.6 m
Weight
19000 kg
Operators (8)
United States
Germany
Israel
Japan
Iran
Austria
Mexico
CFE Treaty
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