Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion

The heavy-lift helicopter built for long-range assault and logistics

Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion ‘162502 ‘of HMH 462. © Tomás Del Coro

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Overview

Sikorsky Helicopter United States ICAO: H53S 1981–2003 Active $24.4 million (1992)

The Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion is a heavy-lift helicopter developed for the United States Marine Corps. Designed to transport troops, vehicles, and equipment over extended distances, it remains one of the most powerful helicopters in Western military service. The aircraft reflects decades of evolution within the CH-53 family.

Live Fleet Activity (H53S)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
3 × General Electric T64-GE-416/ GE-416A / GE-419
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
3 × 4,380 shp · 3,266 kW
Avionics
Rockwell Collins Avionics
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
55
Crew
—
Cabin width
7 ft 6 in  ·  2.29 m
Cabin height
6 ft 6 in  ·  1.98 m
Cabin length
30 ft 0 in  ·  9.14 m
Exterior length
99 ft 1 in  ·  30.20 m
Tail height
27 ft 9 in  ·  8.46 m
Fuselage diameter
8 ft 2 in  ·  2.50 m
Wing span
79 ft 0 in  ·  24.08 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
73,500 lb  ·  33,300 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
32,000 lb  ·  14,500 kg
Fuel capacity
2,800 gal · 10,600 L · 8,500 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
150 kt  ·  173 mph  ·  278 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
540 nm  ·  620 mi  ·  1,000 km
Fuel burn
0.50 nm/gal  ·  0.24 km/L
Ceiling
18,500 ft  ·  5,600 m
Rate of climb
2,500 ft/min  ·  13 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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USMC Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion.

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Operational Context

Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion — heavy-lift military transport helicopter

The CH-53E emerged in the late 1970s as a substantially upgraded development of earlier CH-53 variants. First flown in 1974 in prototype form and entering service in the early 1980s, the Super Stallion introduced a third engine and a seven-blade main rotor to dramatically increase lift capability. The design was optimized for shipboard operations and long-range amphibious assault missions.

Powered by three General Electric T64 turboshaft engines producing approximately 4,300 shaft horsepower each, the CH-53E cruises at around 150 knots (280 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 70,000 pounds (31,750 kg). It can carry more than 30 troops internally or lift heavy vehicles and equipment externally, with a combat radius of roughly 540 nautical miles (1,000 km) depending on payload.

The Super Stallion has served extensively in the Middle East and other operational theaters, supporting troop movement, humanitarian relief, and heavy logistics. Though gradually being replaced by the newer CH-53K King Stallion, the CH-53E remains a central heavy-lift asset for the Marine Corps. Its size, power, and shipboard compatibility define it as one of the most capable heavy military helicopters ever fielded.