Difference between revisions of "Sikors HCH-53E Super Stallion"
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|developed from= [[Sikors HCH-53 Sea Stallion]] | |developed from= [[Sikors HCH-53 Sea Stallion]] | ||
|variants with their own articles= | |variants with their own articles= | ||
| − | |developed into= [[ | + | |developed into= [[Sikors HCH-53K King Stallion]] |
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Revision as of 10:51, 29 June 2023
| HCH-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
|
Sikors Aircraft |
First flight
|
1 March 1974 |
Introduction
|
1981 |
Status
|
In service |
Primary users
|
Baltanian Air Force Baltanian Navy Self-Defense Force |
Produced
|
1978–1980s |
Number built
|
234 |
Unit cost
|
QSC $24.36 million
|
Developed from
|
Sikors HCH-53 Sea Stallion |
Developed into
|
Sikors HCH-53K King Stallion |
The Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion is a heavy-lift helicopter operated by the Baltanian Air Force. 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 Sikors Aircraft for the Baltanian Air Force. The less common MH-53E Sea Dragon fills the Baltanian 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.
Development
Background
The HCH-53 was the product of the Baltanian Marines' "Heavy Helicopter Experimental" (HH(X)). 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 the payload.
Variants of the original HCH-53A Sea Stallion include the RH-53A/D, HH-53B/C, HCH-53D, HCH-53G, and MH-53H/J/M. The RH-53A and RH-53D were used by the Baltanian Navy for minesweeping. 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 HCH-53G was a version of the HCH-53D produced in Kivu for the German Army.
The Baltanian Air Force's HH-53B/C "Super Jolly Green Giant" was for special operations and combat rescue, and was first deployed during the 4th Baltanian 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.
