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CH-53E Super Stallion

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Article Genealogy
Parent: United States Marine Corps Hop 4
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CH-53E Super Stallion
NameCH-53E Super Stallion
CaptionA CH-53E of the United States Marine Corps in flight.
TypeHeavy-lift helicopter
National originUnited States
ManufacturerSikorsky Aircraft
First flight1 March 1974
Introduction1981
Retired2022 (USMC)
StatusIn service with international operators
Primary userUnited States Marine Corps (historical)
Number built234
Developed fromCH-53 Sea Stallion
Developed intoCH-53K King Stallion

CH-53E Super Stallion is a heavy-lift helicopter developed by Sikorsky Aircraft for the United States Marine Corps as a significant enhancement of the earlier CH-53 Sea Stallion. It entered service in the early 1980s and became the Department of Defense's largest and heaviest helicopter, renowned for its ability to transport heavy equipment, vehicles, and personnel. The type served as a critical asset for amphibious warfare and logistics support until its retirement from the USMC in 2022, being succeeded by the more advanced CH-53K King Stallion.

Development and design

The development of the CH-53E was initiated to address the U.S. Navy and USMC requirement for a helicopter with greater lift capacity than the existing CH-53D. Sikorsky Aircraft began work in the late 1960s, with the design featuring a third General Electric T64-GE-416 turboshaft engine, a seventh main rotor blade, and a strengthened airframe. Key figures in its development included Sikorsky engineers and test pilots, with the program receiving critical support from the Naval Air Systems Command. The prototype, designated YCH-53E, first flew on 1 March 1974 from Sikorsky's facility in Stratford, Connecticut. The design incorporated a folding rotor system and a hinged tail for compact storage aboard amphibious assault ships like the USS *Wasp*-class. Its advanced automatic flight control system and robust transmission were designed to handle extreme loads, enabling it to lift up to 16 tons externally.

Operational history

The CH-53E entered operational service with the USMC in 1981, initially with HMH-464. It quickly became the cornerstone of Marine expeditionary unit aviation, deploying routinely aboard ships such as the USS *Iwo Jima*. The helicopter saw extensive service during Operation Desert Storm, transporting M198 howitzers, Light Armored Vehicles, and troops. It provided critical logistics during Operation Restore Hope in Somalia and subsequent operations in the Balkans. Following the September 11 attacks, the Super Stallion supported Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom, often operating from forward arming and refueling points under harsh conditions. Its final major combat deployments were in support of ISAF missions. The USMC began retiring the CH-53E in 2022, transferring its duties to the new CH-53K King Stallion operated by squadrons like HMH-461.

Variants

* **CH-53E Super Stallion**: The standard heavy-lift transport version for the USMC. * **MH-53E Sea Dragon**: A dedicated mine countermeasures and shipboard delivery variant developed for the United States Navy. It features enhanced fuel capacity, AN/ASQ-14 towed sonar, and AN/AES-1 Airborne Laser Mine Detection System. * **S-80E**: The export designation for the CH-53E. * **CH-53E Yas'ur 2025**: An upgraded version operated by the Israeli Air Force, featuring modern avionics and systems.

Operators

* Current Operators: ** Japan Air Self-Defense Force – Operates the CH-53E as a heavy-lift asset. ** Israeli Air Force – Operates upgraded CH-53E and CH-53E Yas'ur 2025 aircraft. * Former Operators: ** United States Marine Corps – Primary operator until full retirement in 2022. ** United States Navy – Operated the MH-53E Sea Dragon variant for mine warfare.

Specifications (CH-53E)

General characteristics * **Crew:** 3 (2 pilots, 1 crew chief/mechanic) * **Capacity:** 55 troops or 32,000 lb (14,515 kg) internal cargo * **Length:** 99 ft 1⁄2 in (30.2 m) * **Rotor diameter:** 79 ft (24 m) * **Height:** 28 ft 5 in (8.66 m) * **Empty weight:** 33,226 lb (15,071 kg) * **Max takeoff weight:** 73,500 lb (33,340 kg) * **Powerplant:** 3 × General Electric T64-GE-416 turboshaft engines * **Rotor system:** 7-bladed main rotor, 4-bladed tail rotor Performance * **Maximum speed:** 170 kn (196 mph, 315 km/h) * **Range:** 540 nmi (620 mi, 1,000 km) * **Service ceiling:** 18,500 ft (5,640 m) * **Hover ceiling:** 11,800 ft (3,600 m) Armament * Typically defensively equipped with two .50 caliber or 7.62mm machine guns.

Accidents and incidents

The CH-53E has been involved in several notable accidents throughout its service life. In January 2005, a CH-53E crashed near Ar Rutbah, Iraq, killing all 31 USMC personnel on board. In August 2014, a USMC CH-53E experienced a hard landing in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. A fatal crash occurred in December 2016 when a JASDF CH-53E ditched into the sea off Okinawa. In April 2018, a USMC CH-53E crashed during a training flight near El Centro, killing four crewmembers. Another significant incident involved an Israeli Air Force CH-53E that crashed during a night training mission in 1997 over Israel.

Category:Heavy-lift helicopters Category:Sikorsky aircraft Category:United States Marine Corps aircraft