



| Name / Designation | CH-53E Super Stallion |
| Type / Role | Heavy Lift Transport Helicopter |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Sikorsky Aircraft (Lockheed Martin) |
| Introduced / Service Entry | 1981 |
| Operational Status | Active |
| Operators | USA, Japan |
| Maximum Speed (Road) | 315 km/h |
| Cruise Speed | 280 km/h |
| Range | 540 km (Combat) / 1,800 km (Ferry) |
| Endurance | 2.5 to 4 hours |
| Service Ceiling | 5,600 m |
| Rate of Climb | 13 m/s |
| Length | 30.2 m |
| Height | 8.46 m |
| Rotor Diameter | 24.1 m |
| Empty Weight | 15,071 kg |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) | 33,340 kg |
| Primary Armament | 7.62mm / .50 cal machine guns |
| Secondary Armament | Door-mounted defensive weapons |
| Hardpoints / Weapon Stations | N/A |
| Payload Capacity | Up to 14,500 kg (external) |
| Countermeasures | Chaff, flares, ECM systems |
| Radar Name | Weather / navigation radar |
| Targeting System | Night vision compatible systems |
| Navigation System | GPS / INS |
| Communication System | Secure military radios / data link |
| Defensive Systems | RWR, MAWS, countermeasure dispensers |
| Engines | 3 × Turboshaft Engines |
| Engine Model | General Electric T64-GE-416/416A |
| Power Output | 4,380 shp each |
| Fuel Capacity | Approx. 3,000 L+ |
| Crew | 5 (Pilot, Co-pilot, crew chiefs) |
| Passenger Capacity | Up to 37 troops |
| Cabin Configuration | Troop / Cargo |
| Cargo Load (Internal/External) | 13,600–14,500 kg |
| Mission Types | Heavy Lift, Troop Transport, Logistics, Recovery |
| Night Operation Capability | Yes |
| All-weather Operation | Yes |
| Combat Proven | Yes |
The CH-53E Super Stallion is one of the most powerful heavy-lift helicopters in military service, designed to transport troops, vehicles, and heavy equipment in demanding combat environments. Operated primarily by the U.S. Marine Corps, it plays a critical role in expeditionary warfare, amphibious operations, and logistics support. Its triple-engine configuration and seven-blade main rotor system enable exceptional lift capacity, making it a backbone of U.S. military air mobility.
The CH-53E is manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft, now part of Lockheed Martin, in the United States. Developed as an upgraded variant of the earlier CH-53 series, it entered service in the early 1980s and remains operational due to its unmatched heavy-lift capabilities. The platform has been widely deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and humanitarian missions worldwide.
The helicopter has a maximum speed of approximately 315 km/h and a cruise speed near 280 km/h. It offers a combat radius of around 540 km, which can be extended with aerial refueling. Its ferry range reaches up to 1,800 km, allowing long-distance deployments. The aircraft’s endurance and range make it suitable for sustained operations in remote or contested environments.
The estimated unit cost of the CH-53E ranges between $24 million and $30 million, depending on configuration and upgrades. While operating costs are high due to maintenance demands, its heavy-lift performance justifies its continued use in U.S. military operations.
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