Miloch
May 12th 20, 06:19 AM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikorsky_CH-53E_Super_Stallion
The Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion is a heavy-lift helicopter operated by the
United States military. As the Sikorsky S-80 it was developed from the CH-53 Sea
Stallion, mainly by adding a third engine, adding a seventh blade to the main
rotor and canting the tail rotor 20 degrees. It was built by Sikorsky Aircraft
for the United States Marine Corps. The less common MH-53E Sea Dragon fills the
United States Navy's need for long range minesweeping or Airborne Mine
Countermeasures (AMCM) missions, and perform heavy-lift duties for the Navy.
Under development is the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion, which has new engines,
new composite material rotor blades, and a wider aircraft cabin; this is to
replace the CH-53E.
Background
The CH-53 was the product of the U.S. Marines' "Heavy Helicopter Experimental"
(HH(X)) competition begun in 1962. Sikorsky's S-65 was selected over Boeing
Vertol's modified CH-47 Chinook version. The prototype YCH-53A first flew on 14
October 1964. The helicopter was designated "CH-53A Sea Stallion" and delivery
of production helicopters began in 1966. The first CH-53As were powered by two
General Electric T64-GE-6 turboshaft engines with 2,850 shp (2,125 kW) and had a
maximum gross weight of 46,000 lb (20,865 kg) including 20,000 lb (9,072 kg) in
payload.
Variants of the original CH-53A Sea Stallion include the RH-53A/D, HH-53B/C,
CH-53D, CH-53G, and MH-53H/J/M. The RH-53A and RH-53D were used by the US Navy
for mine sweeping. The CH-53D included a more powerful version of the General
Electric T64 engine, used in all H-53 variants, and external fuel tanks. The
CH-53G was a version of the CH-53D produced in West Germany for the German Army.
The US Air Force's HH-53B/C "Super Jolly Green Giant" were for special
operations and combat rescue and were first deployed during the Vietnam War. The
Air Force's MH-53H/J/M Pave Low helicopters were the last of the twin engined
H-53s and were equipped with extensive avionics upgrades for all weather
operation.
Design
Although dimensionally similar, the three engine CH-53E Super Stallion or
Sikorsky S-80 is a much more powerful aircraft than the original Sikorsky S-65
twin engined CH-53A Sea Stallion. The CH-53E also added a larger main rotor
system with a seventh blade.
The CH-53E was designed for transporting up to 55 troops with the installation
of seats along the cabin center line or 30,000 lb (13,610 kg) of cargo and can
carry external slung loads up to 36,000 lb (16,330 kg). The CH-53E has
incorporated the same crash attenuating seats as the MV-22B to increase
survivability of passengers but reduced its troop transport capacity to 30. The
Super Stallion has a cruise speed of 173 mph (278 km/h) and a range of 621 miles
(1,000 km). The helicopter is fitted with a forward extendable in-flight
refueling probe. It can carry three machine guns: one at the starboard side crew
door; one at the port window, just behind the copilot; and a firing position on
the tail ramp. The CH-53E also has chaff-flare dispensers.
Role
Heavy-lift cargo helicopter
National origin
United States
Manufacturer
Sikorsky Aircraft
First flight
1 March 1974
Introduction
1981
Status
In service
Primary users
United States Marine Corps
United States Navy
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
Produced
1978–1980s
Number built
234
Unit cost
US$24.36 million (1992, avg. cost)
Developed from
Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion
Developed into
Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion
1980s
The Super Stallion variant first entered service with the creation of Heavy
Marine Helicopter Squadron 464 at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North
Carolina. Two more squadrons were created at Marine Corps Air Station Tustin,
California over the next several years, HMH-465 and HMH-466. In addition, one
west coast training squadron, HMT-301, was given Super Stallions as was one more
east coast squadron, HMH-772, out of a reserve base at NASJRB Willow Grove,
Pennsylvania. Since then, other Marine Heavy lift squadrons have retired their
CH-53As and Ds, replacing them with Es.
The Marine Corps CH-53E saw its first shipboard deployment in 1983 when four
CH-53E helicopters from HMH-464 deployed aboard USS Iwo Jima as part of the 24th
Marine Amphibious Unit (24th MAU). During this deployment Marines were sent
ashore in Beirut, Lebanon as peace keepers and established perimeters at and
near the Beirut International Airport. On 23 October 1983, a truck bomb
detonated by terrorists destroyed the Marine barracks in Beirut, killing nearly
240 service members as they slept. CH-53E helicopters from the 24th MAU provided
critical combat support during this operation.
2000s
On 26 October 2001, three CH-53Es aboard USS Peleliu and three CH-53Es aboard
USS Bataan flew 550 miles (890 km) to secure the first land base in Afghanistan,
Camp Rhino, with 1100 troops at its peak. This amphibious raid is the longest
amphibious raid in history. The long range capability of the CH-53Es enabled
Marines to establish a southern base in Afghanistan, putting the war on the
ground.
Super Stallions again played a major role in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. They
were critical to moving supplies and ammunition to the most forward Marine units
and also assisted in moving casualties back to the rear for follow on care.
Marine CH-53Es and CH-46Es carried US Army Rangers and Special Operations troops
in a mission to rescue captured Army Private Jessica Lynch on 1 April 2003.
Currently, about 150 CH-53E helicopters are in service with the Marines and
another 28 MH-53Es are in service with the U.S Navy. The CH-53 requires 44
maintenance hours per flight hour. A flight hour costs about $20,000.
Specifications (CH-53E)
General characteristics
Crew: 5: 2 pilots, 1 crew chief/right gunner, 1 left gunner, 1 tail gunner
(combat crew)
Capacity: 30 troops with new crash attenuating seats / internal: 30,000 lb
(13,608 kg) / external: 36,000 lb (16,329 kg)
Length: 99 ft 0.5 in (30.188 m)
Height: 27 ft 9 in (8.46 m)
Empty weight: 33,226 lb (15,071 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 73,500 lb (33,339 kg)
Powerplant: 3 × General Electric T64-GE-416 / GE-416A / GE-419 turboshaft
engines, 4,380 shp (3,270 kW) each
Main rotor diameter: 79 ft 0 in (24.08 m)
Main rotor area: 4,900 sq ft (460 m2) Sikorsky SC1095
Performance
Maximum speed: 150 kn (170 mph, 280 km/h)
Cruise speed: 120 kn (140 mph, 220 km/h)
Never exceed speed: 150 kn (170 mph, 280 km/h)
Range: 540 nmi (620 mi, 1,000 km)
Combat range: 180 nmi (210 mi, 330 km)
Ferry range: 990 nmi (1,140 mi, 1,830 km)
Service ceiling: 18,500 ft (5,600 m)
Rate of climb: 2,500 ft/min (13 m/s)
Armament
Guns:
2× .50 BMG (12.7 x 99 mm) window-mounted GAU-21 machine guns
1× .50 BMG (12.7 x 99 mm) ramp mounted weapons system, GAU-21 (M3M mounted
machine gun)
Other: Chaff and flare dispensers
*
The Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion is a heavy-lift helicopter operated by the
United States military. As the Sikorsky S-80 it was developed from the CH-53 Sea
Stallion, mainly by adding a third engine, adding a seventh blade to the main
rotor and canting the tail rotor 20 degrees. It was built by Sikorsky Aircraft
for the United States Marine Corps. The less common MH-53E Sea Dragon fills the
United States Navy's need for long range minesweeping or Airborne Mine
Countermeasures (AMCM) missions, and perform heavy-lift duties for the Navy.
Under development is the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion, which has new engines,
new composite material rotor blades, and a wider aircraft cabin; this is to
replace the CH-53E.
Background
The CH-53 was the product of the U.S. Marines' "Heavy Helicopter Experimental"
(HH(X)) competition begun in 1962. Sikorsky's S-65 was selected over Boeing
Vertol's modified CH-47 Chinook version. The prototype YCH-53A first flew on 14
October 1964. The helicopter was designated "CH-53A Sea Stallion" and delivery
of production helicopters began in 1966. The first CH-53As were powered by two
General Electric T64-GE-6 turboshaft engines with 2,850 shp (2,125 kW) and had a
maximum gross weight of 46,000 lb (20,865 kg) including 20,000 lb (9,072 kg) in
payload.
Variants of the original CH-53A Sea Stallion include the RH-53A/D, HH-53B/C,
CH-53D, CH-53G, and MH-53H/J/M. The RH-53A and RH-53D were used by the US Navy
for mine sweeping. The CH-53D included a more powerful version of the General
Electric T64 engine, used in all H-53 variants, and external fuel tanks. The
CH-53G was a version of the CH-53D produced in West Germany for the German Army.
The US Air Force's HH-53B/C "Super Jolly Green Giant" were for special
operations and combat rescue and were first deployed during the Vietnam War. The
Air Force's MH-53H/J/M Pave Low helicopters were the last of the twin engined
H-53s and were equipped with extensive avionics upgrades for all weather
operation.
Design
Although dimensionally similar, the three engine CH-53E Super Stallion or
Sikorsky S-80 is a much more powerful aircraft than the original Sikorsky S-65
twin engined CH-53A Sea Stallion. The CH-53E also added a larger main rotor
system with a seventh blade.
The CH-53E was designed for transporting up to 55 troops with the installation
of seats along the cabin center line or 30,000 lb (13,610 kg) of cargo and can
carry external slung loads up to 36,000 lb (16,330 kg). The CH-53E has
incorporated the same crash attenuating seats as the MV-22B to increase
survivability of passengers but reduced its troop transport capacity to 30. The
Super Stallion has a cruise speed of 173 mph (278 km/h) and a range of 621 miles
(1,000 km). The helicopter is fitted with a forward extendable in-flight
refueling probe. It can carry three machine guns: one at the starboard side crew
door; one at the port window, just behind the copilot; and a firing position on
the tail ramp. The CH-53E also has chaff-flare dispensers.
Role
Heavy-lift cargo helicopter
National origin
United States
Manufacturer
Sikorsky Aircraft
First flight
1 March 1974
Introduction
1981
Status
In service
Primary users
United States Marine Corps
United States Navy
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
Produced
1978–1980s
Number built
234
Unit cost
US$24.36 million (1992, avg. cost)
Developed from
Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion
Developed into
Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion
1980s
The Super Stallion variant first entered service with the creation of Heavy
Marine Helicopter Squadron 464 at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North
Carolina. Two more squadrons were created at Marine Corps Air Station Tustin,
California over the next several years, HMH-465 and HMH-466. In addition, one
west coast training squadron, HMT-301, was given Super Stallions as was one more
east coast squadron, HMH-772, out of a reserve base at NASJRB Willow Grove,
Pennsylvania. Since then, other Marine Heavy lift squadrons have retired their
CH-53As and Ds, replacing them with Es.
The Marine Corps CH-53E saw its first shipboard deployment in 1983 when four
CH-53E helicopters from HMH-464 deployed aboard USS Iwo Jima as part of the 24th
Marine Amphibious Unit (24th MAU). During this deployment Marines were sent
ashore in Beirut, Lebanon as peace keepers and established perimeters at and
near the Beirut International Airport. On 23 October 1983, a truck bomb
detonated by terrorists destroyed the Marine barracks in Beirut, killing nearly
240 service members as they slept. CH-53E helicopters from the 24th MAU provided
critical combat support during this operation.
2000s
On 26 October 2001, three CH-53Es aboard USS Peleliu and three CH-53Es aboard
USS Bataan flew 550 miles (890 km) to secure the first land base in Afghanistan,
Camp Rhino, with 1100 troops at its peak. This amphibious raid is the longest
amphibious raid in history. The long range capability of the CH-53Es enabled
Marines to establish a southern base in Afghanistan, putting the war on the
ground.
Super Stallions again played a major role in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. They
were critical to moving supplies and ammunition to the most forward Marine units
and also assisted in moving casualties back to the rear for follow on care.
Marine CH-53Es and CH-46Es carried US Army Rangers and Special Operations troops
in a mission to rescue captured Army Private Jessica Lynch on 1 April 2003.
Currently, about 150 CH-53E helicopters are in service with the Marines and
another 28 MH-53Es are in service with the U.S Navy. The CH-53 requires 44
maintenance hours per flight hour. A flight hour costs about $20,000.
Specifications (CH-53E)
General characteristics
Crew: 5: 2 pilots, 1 crew chief/right gunner, 1 left gunner, 1 tail gunner
(combat crew)
Capacity: 30 troops with new crash attenuating seats / internal: 30,000 lb
(13,608 kg) / external: 36,000 lb (16,329 kg)
Length: 99 ft 0.5 in (30.188 m)
Height: 27 ft 9 in (8.46 m)
Empty weight: 33,226 lb (15,071 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 73,500 lb (33,339 kg)
Powerplant: 3 × General Electric T64-GE-416 / GE-416A / GE-419 turboshaft
engines, 4,380 shp (3,270 kW) each
Main rotor diameter: 79 ft 0 in (24.08 m)
Main rotor area: 4,900 sq ft (460 m2) Sikorsky SC1095
Performance
Maximum speed: 150 kn (170 mph, 280 km/h)
Cruise speed: 120 kn (140 mph, 220 km/h)
Never exceed speed: 150 kn (170 mph, 280 km/h)
Range: 540 nmi (620 mi, 1,000 km)
Combat range: 180 nmi (210 mi, 330 km)
Ferry range: 990 nmi (1,140 mi, 1,830 km)
Service ceiling: 18,500 ft (5,600 m)
Rate of climb: 2,500 ft/min (13 m/s)
Armament
Guns:
2× .50 BMG (12.7 x 99 mm) window-mounted GAU-21 machine guns
1× .50 BMG (12.7 x 99 mm) ramp mounted weapons system, GAU-21 (M3M mounted
machine gun)
Other: Chaff and flare dispensers
*