The CH-53D Sea Stallion is designed for the transportation of equipment, supplies and personnel during the assault phase of an amphibious operation and subsequent operations ashore. Capable of both internal and external transport of supplies, the CH-53D is shipboard compatible and capable of operation in adverse weather conditions both day and night. The CH-53D is now filling a role in the Marine Corps' medium lift helicopter fleet.
The twin-engine helicopter is capable of lifting 7 tons (6.35 metric tons). Improvements to the aircraft include an elastomeric rotor head, external range extension fuel tanks, crashworthy fuel cells, ARC-182 radios, and defensive electronic countermeasure equipment. The helicopter will carry 37 passengers in its normal configuration and 55 passengers with centerline seats installed.
Inventory: Active - 54; Reserve - 18
The CH-53D is a more capable version of the CH-53A introduced into the Marine Corps in 1966. Used extensively both afloat and ashore, the Sea Stallion was the heavy lift helicopter for the Marine Corps until the introduction of the CH-53E triple engine variant of the H-53 family into the fleet in 1981. The CH-53D has performed its multi-role mission lifting both equipment and personnel in training and combat, most recently in Operation Desert Storm, where the helicopter performed with distinction.
The CH-53E, the Marine Corps' heavy lift helicopter designed for the transportation of material and supplies, is compatible with most amphibious class ships and is carried routinely aboard LHA (Landing, Helicopter, Assault: an amphibious assault ship), LPH (Landing Platform, Helicopter: an amphibious assault ship) and now LHD (Landing, Helicopter, Dock: an amphibious assault ship) type ships. The helicopter is capable of lifting 16 tons (14.5 metric tons) at sea level, transporting the load 50 nautical miles (57.5 miles) and returning. A typical load would be a 16,000 pound (7264 kilogram) M198 howitzer or a 26,000 pound (11,804 kilogram) Light Armored Vehicle. The aircraft also can retrieve downed aircraft including another CH-53E. The 53E is equipped with a refueling probe and can be refueled in flight giving the helicopter indefinite range.
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 passengers in its normal configuration and has provisions to carry 55 passengers with centerline seats installed. With the dual point hook systems, it can carry external loads at increased airspeeds due to the stability achieved with the dual point system.
Inventory: 160
Derived from an engineering change proposal to the twin-engine CH-53D helicopter, the CH-53E has consistently proven its worth to the Fleet commanders with its versatility and range. With four and one half hours' endurance, the Super Stallion can move more equipment over rugged terrain in bad weather and at night. During Operation Eastern Exit two CH-53Es launched from amphibious ships and flew 463 nautical miles (532.45 miles) at night, refueling twice enroute, to rescue American and foreign allies from the American Embassy in the civil war-torn capital of Mogadishu, Somalia in January of 1990. Two CH-53Es rescued Air Force Capt. Scott O'Grady in Bosnia in June 1995.
From FY 1996 through FY 1997, a Service Life Assessment Program (SLAP) was conducted to develop usage and fatigue life profile, and an Integrated Mechanical Diagnostic (IMD) system for the H-53E. FY 1998 Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) begins to correct deficiencies in aircraft dynamic components and mission systems. The effort will increase reliability, maintainability, and safety while reducing the cost of ownership. The Marine Corps Aviation Plan shows the CH-53D remaining in service through 2015. Therefore a Service Life Assessment Program (SLAP) must be conducted in order to ascertain what actions must be taken to safely operate the aircraft until it is replaced by the MV-22. The results of these efforts will be used to justify APN-5 funding of a SLEP for the CH-53D if warranted. FY 99 funding is also utilized for Phase II of the CH-53E SLEP.
The newest military version of Sikorsky's H-53E/S80 series, the MH-53E Sea Dragon, is the Western world's largest helicopter. The MH-53E is used primarily for Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM), with a secondary mission of shipboard delivery. Additional mission capabilities include air-to-air refueling, hover
in-flight refueling, search and rescue, and external cargo transport operations, in both
land and seaborne environments. The MH-53E was derived from the CH-53E Super Stallion and is heavier and has a
greater fuel capacity than its ancestor. The MH-53s can operate from carriers and other warships. Sea Dragon is capable of carrying up to 55 troops or a
16-ton payload 50 nautical miles or a 10-ton payload
500 nautical miles. The MH-53E is capable of towing a variety of mine-sweeping countermeasures systems, including the Mk 105 minesweeping sleed,
the ASQ-14 side-scan sonar, and the Mk 103 mechanical minesweeping system.
MH-53J Pave Low III
The MH-53J's mission is to perform low-level, long-range, undetected penetration into denied areas, day or night, in adverse weather, for infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces.
The MH-53J Pave Low III heavy-lift helicopter is the largest and most powerful helicopter in the Air Force inventory, and the most technologically advanced helicopter in the world. Its terrain-following, terrain-avoidance radar and forward-looking infrare
d sensor, along with a projected map display, enable the crew to follow terrain contours and avoid obstacles, making low-level penetration possible.
The helicopter is equipped with armor plating, and a combination of three 7.62mm miniguns or .50 caliber machine guns. It can transport 38 troops or 14 litters and has an external cargo hook with a 20,000-pound (9,000-kilogram) capacity.
The MH-53J has twin turbo-shaft engines; self-lubricating, all-metal main and tail rotors; and a large horizontal stabilizer on the tail rotor pylon's right side.
The MH-53J Pave Low is a modified version of the HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant helicopter used extensively during the Vietnam War for special operations and rescue of combat personnel. During past space programs, the HH-53 was on duty at the launch site
as the primary astronaut recovery vehicle. Under the Air Force's Pave Low IIIE program, nine MH-53H's and 32 HH-53s were modified for night and adverse weather operations and designated MH-53J's. Their modifications included forward-looking infrared, iner
tial global positioning system, Doppler navigation systems, a terrain-following and terrain-avoidance radar, an on-board computer and integrated avionics to enable precise navigation to and from target areas.
MH-53J's were used in a variety of missions during Desert Storm. Pave Lows were among the first aircraft into Iraq when they led Army AH-64 Apaches to destroy Iraqi early warning radars and opened a hole in enemy air defenses for the opening air armada.
In addition to infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special forces teams throughout Iraq and Kuwait, Pave Lows provided search and rescue coverage for coalition air forces in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Turkey and the Persian Gulf.
An MH-53J made the first successful combat recovery of a downed pilot in Desert Storm. Following the war, MH-53J's were deployed to Northern Iraq to support Operation Provide Comfort, assisting displaced Kurds. Pave Lows were also used extensively during
Operation Just Cause in Panama.
General Characteristics
Unit cost: $25 million (1993 dollars)
Crew: Two officers (pilots); four enlisted (two flight engineers, two aerial gunners)
Date Deployed: 1981
Inventory: Active force, 41; ANG, 0; Reserve, 0
H-53 AIRCRAFT
DESCRIPTION: [CH-53E] | [MH-53E] CH-53E Sea Stallion
Contractor:
Sikorsky Aircraft (Prime),
General Electric (Engines)
Airframe:
- Seven-blade main
rotor
- Four-blade canted
tail rotor
- Designed for land-
and ship-based operations
- Automatic flight
control and anti-icing systems give the
helicopter an all-weather flight capability.
- Empty weight: 33,226
pounds
- Maximum gross weight:
73,500 pounds
- Fuel capacity: 15,483
pounds (2,277 gallons/JP-5)
- Overall length: 99 ft
1/2 in
- Height: 28 ft 4 in
- Rotor diameter: 79 ft
- Can be configured for
wheeled or palletized cargo
- Seats for 55
passengers or litters for 24 patients
- External cargo of up
to 36,000 pounds may be transported by using
either the single- or two-point suspension
system.
- Can conduct
air-to-air refueling and helicopter in-flight
refueling (HIFR)
- Has provisions for
internal range extension tanks
Power Plant:
- Three General
Electric T64-GE-416/416A turboshaft engines
- Each engine can
produce 4,380 shaft horsepower
Performance:
- Maximum range
(unrefueled): 480 nautical miles
- Ferry range: 990
nautical miles
- Maximum endurance
(unrefueled): 5.1 hours
- Maximum allowable
airspeed: 150 knots
Countermeasures:
APR-39 Radar Hazard Warning Set
ALE-39 Chaff and Flare Dispenser
ALQ-157 Infrared Jammer
AAR-47 Missile Warning System
Mission and
Capabilities:
- Primary mission is
movement and vertical delivery of cargo and
equipment.
- When properly
equipped, can be used for airborne mine
countermeasures (AMCM)
- Designed to carry
32,000 pounds of cargo at cruise speed to a range
of no less than 50 nautical miles
- At destination, the
helicopter can discharge its cargo, equipment, or
troops and return no less than 50 nautical
miles—arriving with at least 20 minutes of
fuel in reserve.
- Designed to retrieve
another CH-53E at a range of 20 nautical miles
Program Summary:
- The U.S. Navy and
Marine Corps have purchased 172 CH-53Es and have
accepted delivery of 149.
- Operated by six
tactical squadrons, one training squadron, and
one special mission squadron.
- Current procurement
objective for support of active force
requirements is 186 aircraft.
- Slated to replace the
aging RH-53D in two Marine Corps Reserve
squadrons.
- Planned to be
operational through 2025
- Improved operational
capability at night and during periods of reduced
visibility will be provided by incorporating
Helicopter Night Vision System (HNVS) and the
Aviator Night Vision System/Head-Up Display
(ANVIS/HUD).
- Enhanced night
fighting capability is provided by modifying
interior and exterior lighting systems for Night
Vision Goggle (NVG) compatibility.
- Pilot and copilot
crashworthy seats have been incorporated.
- Improved troop seats,
which allow for rapid cabin reconfiguration, will
also be incorporated.
- Additional
modifications include: the Global Positioning
System (GPS), the AN/ARC-210 radio, improved
engine fire detection, and a tail rotor coupling
monitor.
MH-53E Sea Dragon
Airframe:
- Seven-blade main
rotor
- Four-blade tail rotor
- Designed for land-
and ship-based operations
- Empty weight: 36,745
pounds
- Maximum gross weight:
69,750 pounds
- Internal fuel
capacity: 21,844 pounds (JP-5)
- Overall length: 99 ft
1/2 in
- Height: 28 ft 4 in
- Rotor diameter: 79 ft
- Can be configured for
wheeled or palletized cargo
- Seats for 55
passengers or litters for 24 patients
- External cargo hook
system rated for 36,000 pounds
- Capable of conducting
air-to-air refueling
Engines:
- Three General
Electric T64-GE-416/A turboshaft engines
- Each engine can
produce 4,380 shaft horsepower
Performance:
- Maximum range (main
fuel; SL; STD day): 700 nautical miles
- Maximum endurance
(main fuel; SL; STD day): 6.6 hours
- Maximum allowable
airspeed: 150 knots
Countermeasures:
Not applicable
Missions and
Capabilities:
- Two primary
missions—airborne mine countermeasures
(AMCM) and vertical on-board delivery (VOD)
- AMCM mission
includes: mine sweeping, mine neutralization,
mine hunting, floating mine destruction, and
channel marking.
- VOD mission includes
transporting cargo, supplies, and personnel
to/from ships and shore facilities.
Program Summary:
- U.S. Navy took
delivery of the last of 48 MH-53Es in September
1994; 12 were procured for the Naval Reserve.
- Three fleet squadrons
operate the MH-53E: HM-14 and HM-15 (combined
active/reserve AMCM squadrons) and HC-4 (NAS
Sigonella, Italy-based VOD squadron).
- Training conducted in
HMT-302.
- A
validation/verification contract was awarded in
FY95 for the Global Positioning System/cockpit
upgrade integration effort. This program, known
as the MH-53E Navigation/Communication System,
will meet GPS navigation requirements and will
correct a mission navigation system deficiency.
- Three of four fleet
retrofit contracts have been awarded for the
T64-GE-419 engine upgrade program. Retrofit of
the 419 engines are scheduled to commence in
FY97. The 419 engine can produce 5,000 shaft
horsepower and will correct a deficiency
concerning one-engine-inoperative performance
during AMCM operations.
- Additional H-53
generic modification programs include: the
AN/ARC-210, No. 2 engine thermal detector, NVG
compatible exterior lighting, tail rotor drive
shaft disconnect coupling monitor, integrated
mechanical diagnostic system, and a service life
extension program.
MH/CH-53 TECHNICAL DATA:
External
Dimensions
Main rotor
diameter |
24.08m |
Main rotor blade
chord |
0.76m |
Tail rotor
diameter |
6.10m |
Tail rotor blade
chord |
|
Distance between
rotor centres |
|
Wing span |
|
Wing aspect ratio |
|
Length: overall,
rotors turning |
30.19m |
fuselage length |
22.35m |
Width of fuselage |
2.69m |
Height: to top of
rotor head |
5.32m |
Overall Height,
(tail rotor turning) |
8.97m |
Ground clearance,
main rotor, turning |
|
Elevator span |
|
Width over skids |
|
Areas
Main rotor blades
(each) |
|
Tail rotor blades
(each) |
|
Main rotor disc |
455.38m2 |
Tail rotor disc |
29.19m2 |
Vertical fin |
|
Horizontal tail
surfaces |
|
Weights and Loadings
Weight empty |
16,482kg |
Mission fuel load
(usable) |
|
Maximum useful
load (fuel and disposable ordinance) |
|
Maximum Take off
and landing weight |
|
Maximum disc
loading |
|
Maximum power
loading |
|
Performance :
Never -exceed
speed (Vne) |
|
Maximum level
speed at S/L |
170
knots |
Rate of climb at
S/L, OEI (25,000lb load) |
762m/min |
|
|
Service ceiling @
max continuous power |
5,640m |
Hovering ceiling
@ max power: |
- IGE
|
3,520m |
- OGE
|
2,895m |
Range at S/L with
standard fuel, no reserves |
1,120nm |
|
MH-53E Sea Dragon
MH-53J Pave Low III
Sources and Resources
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/.htm
Maintained by Robert Sherman
Originally created by John Pike
Updated Thursday, January 07, 1999 6:28:38 PM