Sikorsky S-65
The Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion was, for decades, the heaviest-lifting helicopter in Western military service, built to carry troops, vehicles, and heavy equipment for the US Marine Corps and several allied militaries. Its large, watertight hull-shaped lower fuselage allows amphibious operations, letting it land briefly on calm water if needed during ship-to-shore missions. It saw extensive combat service from Vietnam through the Gulf War, and export versions remain in active use with several air forces today. Its considerably more powerful three-engine successor, the CH-53E/K Super/King Stallion, has gradually taken over its heaviest-lift missions in US service.
Did you know?
The CH-53 Sea Stallion's boat-shaped, watertight lower fuselage let it land briefly on calm water during ship-to-shore missions.
Specifications
| Length | 20.5 m (67 ft) |
|---|---|
| Height | 7.6 m (25 ft) |
| Rotor diameter | 22 m (72 ft) |
| Maximum passengers | 38 |
| Persons on board | 38 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 19 t |
| Range | 540 NM (1,000 km) |
| Service ceiling | 21,000 ft (6,401 m) |
| Optimum ceiling | 8,000 ft (2,438 m) |
| Rate of climb | 2,180 ft/min (11.1 m/s) |
| Fuel capacity | 2,380 l |
| Engines | 2x General Electric T64 |
| Units built | 284 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
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