CH-53E "Super Stallion"
 |
 |
Photos by SSgt W. D. Crow.
Primary Function: Transport of heavy equipment and supplies during the ship-to-shore movement of an amphibious assault and during subsequent operations ashore.
Manufacturer: Sikorsky Aircraft division of United Technologies, Inc., Stratford, Connecticut.
Length: 99 feet 1/2 inch
Height: 28 feet 4 inches
Rotor diameter: 79 feet
Max Cruise Speed: 161 miles per hour (150 knots). Max Speed: 184 miles per hour (170 knots).
Maximum takeoff weight: Internal load: 69,750 pounds; External load 73,500 pounds
Range: Without refueling: 540 miles; With aerial refueling: Indefinite
Armament: Two XM-218 .50 caliber machineguns
Crew: 3
Introduction date: June 1981
Unit Replacement Cost: $36,000,000
Mission: The CH-53E is the heavy lift helicopter of the Marine Corps. The Super Stallion is compatible with most amphibious class ships and is carried routinely aboard LHA (Landing, Helicopter, Assault), LPH (Landing Platform, Helicopter) and LHD (Landing, Helicopter, Dock) type ships. The helicopter is capable of lifting 16 tons at sea level, transporting the load 50 nautical miles and returning. A typical load could be a 16,000 pound M198 Howitzer or a 26,000 pound Light Armored Vehicle. The aircraft can also retrieve downed aircraft including another CH-53E. The Super Stallion is equipped with an inflight refueling probe which gives the aircraft an indefinite range.
Features: The CH-53E is a follow-on for its predecessor, the CH-53D. Improvements include the addition of a third engine to give the aircraft the ability to lift the majority of the Fleet Marine Force's equipment, a dual point cargo hook system, improved main rotor blades, and composite tail rotor blades. A dual digital automatic flight control system and engine anti-ice system give the aircraft an all-weather capability. The helicopter seats 37 combat loaded Marines in its normal configuration and has provisions to carry 55 with centerline seats installed.
USMC Inventory: 160.
Other Users: United States Navy, MH-53E; Japanese Maritime Self Defense Forces, MH-53J.
Background: The CH-53E has consistently proven its worth to the Fleet commanders with its versatility and range. With four and one half hours unrefueled endurance, the Super Stallion can move more equipment over rugged terrain, in bad weather and at night, than any other USMC aircraft. During Operation Eastern Exit, January, 1990, two CH-53E's launched from amphibious ships and flew 463 nautical miles (532.45 statute miles) at night, refueled twice enroute, to rescue American Embassy personnel in the civil-war torn capital of Mogadishu, Somalia. In June 1995, two Super Stallions rescued Air Force Capt. Scott O'Grady in Bosnia.