CH-53E Super Stallion

The CH-53E Super Stallion is a helicopter in service with the United States military. Manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft this helicopter is currently the largest and heaviest helicopter in use in the United States Military.

Development

Background

Production

Design

While the CH-53E Super Stallion is similar in dimensions to the original CH-53A Sea Stallion it is significantly more powerful then its predecessor. It has a seventh blade added to its main rotor system and in the same time the whole assembly is slightly larger.

The CH-53E and the MH-53E are the largest helicopters in the world currently in use in the Western world. The successor of the CH-53E the CH-53K which is currently is in development will take this title as it is even larger. Only 3 helicopter models are larger then the CH-53E and these all come from Russia, these are the Mil Mi-26, Mil V-12 Homer (only 2 prototypes built) and the Mil Mi-6.

The CH-53E is able to carry up to 55 troops or 13,610 kg (30,000 lb) of cargo and can lift external slung loads of up to 16,330 kg (36,000 lb). The range of the helicopter is about 1,000 km (621 mi) and it has a cruise speed of 278 km/h (173 mph). The range can be extended by aerial refueling, the CH-53E is fitted with forward extendable in-flight refueling probe and it can refuel also fromm surface ships in hover mode via hose refuel.

It can be fitted with three machine guns: one at the port window behind the co-pilot, one at the starboard side crew door and one at the tail loading ramp.

Technology

Operational Service

Competitors

Deliveries

Accidents

Specifications

Related aircraft

MH-53 Pave Low

Further reading

Sikorsky Aircraft