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°. 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 missions, and performs heavy-lift duties for the Navy. The Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion, which has new engines, new composite rotor blades, and a wider aircraft cabin, is set to replace the CH-53E.
| CH-53E Super Stallion MH-53E Sea Dragon | |
|---|---|
| A CH-53E Super Stallion with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit | |
| 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 (historical) |
| Produced | 1978–1980s |
| Number built | 172 |
| Developed from | Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion |
| Developed into | Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion |
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