AIRCRAFT
Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion
SCALE & KIT
1/48 Academy
MODELER
Hwang Sunhwie (Fine Build Studio)
HISTORY
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 degrees. 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 (AMCM) missions, and perform heavy-lift duties for the Navy. Under development is the CH-53K King Stallion, which will be equipped with new engines, new composite material rotor blades, and a wider aircraft cabin.
The CH-53 was the product of the U.S. Marines’ “Heavy Helicopter Experimental” (HH(X)) competition begun in 1962. Sikorsky’s S-65 was selected over Boeing Vertol’s modified CH-47 Chinook version. 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 payload.
Variants of the original CH-53A Sea Stallion include the RH-53A/D, HH-53B/C, CH-53D, CH-53G, and MH-53H/J/M. The RH-53A and RH-53D were used by the US Navy for mine sweeping. 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 CH-53G was a version of the CH-53D produced in West Germany for the German Army.
The US Air Force’s HH-53B/C “Super Jolly Green Giant” were for special operations and combat rescue and were first deployed during the Vietnam 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.
PHOTO GALLERY
Looking to purchase this model for my son who was a crew chief in the Marines. Can you purchase them already assembled? I so where. If I have to build myself… where can I purchase the model?
Did you ever find out where to purchase this? I was an air frames mechanic for 6 years on these. I’d love to pick one up also.
Looking to purchase Retired Marine HMH 462 Heavy Haulers. Can you help me locate this model?
Where can I find one cheap for my army friend to build
How many people got fooled by this supposedly “built model kit”???!? This are real pictures of fully sized and functional usmc ch53 helps! I should know, I was combat crew for this beast for 7 years. I showed it to a few US Marines and all agree with me. These Are real picture of a full size machine draped with white background photoshop to make it convincing and BAM, so many suckers fell for it hahaha,