Summary The Super Stallion is a heavy-lift helicopter with a high payload capacity of 33,000 lb for a wide range of military missions. Versatile operation: It can deliver 16 tons of cargo 50 miles away, navigate like a small vehicle, and perform search and rescue missions. Seamless deployment: Operated by the US Navy on assault ships, it can lift damaged aircraft and heavy cargo, ideal for sensitive areas near enemy zones.
The Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion is a heavy-lift helicopter designed and developed by Sikorsky Aircraft in the 1970s. It entered service with the US Marine Corps in 1981 and is also operated by the US Navy. The US Military plans to operate the type into the 2030s.
As one of the largest military helicopters, the Super Stallions are operated from land and US Navy ships. This article explores some of the mission types the heavy-lift helicopter uses. 1 The heavy lifting The high payload capacity makes it ideal for heavy transports 37 troops with default folding canvas seats 55 troops with center row added 31 with new crash-attenuating seats Internal payload: 32,000 lb (14,515 kg) The Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion can carry 33,000 lb (14,515 kg) of internal payload.
Whether transporting troops, equipment, or military armored vehicles, the US Marine Corps (USMC) Super Stallion can do the job. The helicopter can carry and transport a 26,000-lb light armored vehicle. Up to 16 tons of cargo can be delivered 50 miles away before returning to the base.
The helicopter's versatility lies in maneuvering like a small air vehicle, even with a full load. The Black Hawk's capabilities have made it one of the world's most versatile military helicopters with a diverse range of roles. 2 Vertical recovery and delivery Search and rescue missions External payload : 36,000 lb (16,329 kg) Powerplant : 3 × General Electric T64-GE-416 / GE-416A / GE-419 turboshaft engines Power per engine : 4,380 shp (3,270 kW) Main rotor diameter : 79 ft 0 in (24.
08) The United States Navy (USN) uses the Super Stallion for critical search and rescue missions, particularly those involving other aircraft or equipment. The CH-53E is unique in its external payload capacity, transporting over 16 tons of external cargo. The USN and the USMC Super Stallions are tasked with vertical delivery and recovery of damaged aircraft on aircraft carriers.
Military.com states that the Ch-53E is powerful enough to lift every aircraft in the Marine inventory except the KC-130. The Marines carried out an impressive operation carrying a stripped-down F-35C with a King Stallion while also in-air refueling the helicopter.
3 Deployment on assault ships A rather remote role Maximum speed : 170 kn (200 mph, 310 km/h) Cruise speed : 150 kn (170 mph, 280 km/h) Range : 540 NM (620 mi, 1,000 km) Combat range : 180 NM (210 mi, 330 km) Ferry range : 990 NM (1,140 mi, 1,830 km) The US Navy CH-53Es are sometimes deployed on amphibious assault ships to benefit from their armament, capacity, speed, and agility on the water. Despite its large payload capacity, the CH-53E is compact enough to be used on an assault ship. According to the Naval Air Systems Command , “The powerful Super Stallion is capable of lifting heavy military equipment, yet still compact enough to fit onboard an amphibious warfare ship where it can take off carrying 16 tons of cargo and deliver it 50 miles away before returning to base.
” Airbus' Super Puma is the twin-engined heavy helicopter of choice for many civilian and military missions. 4 Moving casualties from war zones An essential transporter in sensitive areas Moving critical supplies forward Moving casualties back for follow-on care The helicopter’s ability to operate from almost any surface or field is used in sensitive areas closer to enemy zones. The heavy lifter played a crucial role in the 2003 Invasion of Iraq.
The USMC Super Stallions carried essential supplies from base stations to the most forward Marine units. Moreover, Marine CH-53Es assisted in moving war casualties back to the rear and the base station for follow-on care. In April 2003, some Marine CH-53Es, along with CH-46Es, were used to carry US Army Rangers and Special Operations troops to rescue captured Army Private Jessica Lynch.
The Comanche had high agility and low detectability. 5 Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) A modified variant operates such missions Edo AN/ALQ-166 minesweeping sled Northrop Grumman AN/AQS-14 side-scan sonar AN/ALQ-141 minesweeping system Lockheed Martin AN/AQS-232 airborne mine neutralization system (AMNS) Since 1986, the US Navy has operated a modified variant of the Super Stallion, the MH-53E Sea Dragon. The type is dedicated to Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) operations.
Heavier than CH-53E, the Sea Dragon has enlarged fuel sponsors for greater fuel capacity. More powerful T64-GE-419 engines power the variant, each generating 3,730 kW power. The helicopter is equipped with a dedicated minesweeping system.
According to Raytheon , “By using helicopters as a central platform, mine clearance has become safer. Mines are first identified by the AN/AQS-20A sonar system or other mine countermeasure assets. The AMNS then identifies the location of the mines and neutralizes the target.
” Military helicopters can cost anywhere from $30 million to nearly a billion..
