CH-53E Super Stallion: The Largest Helicopter in the US Military
The CH-53E Super Stallion holds the title as the largest and most powerful helicopter currently in service with the United States military. Developed by Sikorsky Aircraft, this heavy-lift helicopter has played a critical role in Marine Corps and Navy operations for decades, from combat logistics to mine countermeasures. With unmatched payload capacity and robust design, the CH-53E remains a key asset in U.S. military aviation.
| CH-53E Super Stallion - Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Entered Service | 1981 |
| Crew | 2 - 5 men |
| Dimensions and Weight | |
| Length | 30.2 m |
| Main Rotor Diameter | 24 m |
| Height | 8.46 m |
| Weight (Empty) | 15.07 t |
| Max Take-off Weight | 33.3 t |
| Engines and Performance | |
| Engines | 3 × General Electric T64-GE-415 turboshafts |
| Engine Power | 3 × 4,380 shp |
| Maximum Speed | 315 km/h |
| Cruising Speed | 278 km/h |
| Service Ceiling | 5.64 km |
| Range | 1,000 km |
| Ferry Range | 1,833 km |
| Payload | |
| Passengers | 37 / 55 men |
| Internal Payload | 13,600 kg |
| External Payload | 14,500 kg |
| Armament | |
| Machine Guns | 2 × GAU-15/A, 1 × GAU-21 |
Origins and Development
The story of the CH-53E Super Stallion began in 1967, when the U.S. Marine Corps issued a requirement for a heavy-lift transport helicopter capable of carrying 1.8 times more than the existing CH-53D. To fulfill this ambitious demand, Sikorsky developed the S-80, an evolution of the earlier S-65 platform (H-53 Sea Stallion).
Key design upgrades included:
- A third engine, boosting total output significantly
- A new 7-blade main rotor system
- A fuselage stretch of 1.88 meters
The S-80 prototype took its first flight in 1974. By the time production started in 1978, it was already the most powerful helicopter outside of Russia. The aircraft officially entered Marine Corps service in 1981 under the designation CH-53E Super Stallion, with “CH” standing for “Cargo Helicopter.”
Operational History
The CH-53E saw its first shipboard deployment in 1983. Over time, 227 units were produced, and as of 2025, around 180 remain in active service. This makes it the largest and heaviest helicopter still used by the U.S. military.
Roles and Missions
The primary mission of the CH-53E is to transport troops, vehicles, and equipment from ship to shore. It can support amphibious assault operations and is capable of resupply, recovery, and transport tasks in the harshest environments.
The U.S. Navy also operates a limited number of CH-53E helicopters for shipboard resupply and as a basis for mine countermeasure variants.
Payload and Lift Capabilities
The Super Stallion offers exceptional payload capacity:
- 37 troops standard; up to 55 troops with centerline seating
- Internal cargo of up to 13.6 metric tons
- External lift of up to 14.5 metric tons
It can lift vehicles such as the LAV-25 armored vehicle or an M198 155mm howitzer with full crew and ammunition. The CH-53E is even capable of recovering aircraft of comparable size.
Flight Crew and Armament
The CH-53E is operated by a crew of five — two pilots and three gunners in combat conditions. In peacetime, it typically flies with only two pilots.
Armament options include:
- Two window-mounted GAU-15/A 12.7mm heavy machine guns
- One ramp-mounted GAU-21 heavy machine gun
- Optional 7.62mm miniguns
Design and Technical Features
The CH-53E’s three General Electric T64-GE-416/416A turboshaft engines produce a combined output of over 13,000 shp. The 7-blade rotor system (upgraded from the CH-53D’s 6 blades) is made from titanium-fiberglass composite, improving both strength and durability.
Additional technical enhancements include:
- A digital automatic flight control system (AFCS) to assist pilots and prevent overcontrol
- Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) units for night and low-visibility operations
- A refueling probe enabling aerial refueling from KC-130 tankers
- Capability to hover and refuel from surface ships
The helicopter's tail rotor is canted at 20 degrees to provide additional lift and stability. Its structure is optimized to operate from amphibious assault ships and other naval platforms.
Variants of the CH-53 Series
MH-53E Sea Dragon
This minesweeping variant is operated by the U.S. Navy. While earlier CH-53 models had provisions for towed mine-sweeping systems, the MH-53E was specifically designed for mine countermeasure (MCM) missions. It features:
- Enlarged fuel sponsons with an additional 3,785 liters of fuel
- Capability to tow mine countermeasures gear and side-scan sonar
The MH-53E prototype flew in 1981, and around 44 units were active as of 2003.
CH-53K King Stallion
The CH-53K King Stallion is the next-generation replacement for the CH-53E. While sharing a similar airframe, the CH-53K offers:
- Improved performance and payload capacity
- More modern avionics and fly-by-wire controls
The U.S. Marine Corps has ordered 200 CH-53Ks, with initial operational capability (IOC) achieved in 2018.
Legacy and Future Outlook
The CH-53E Super Stallion has served in nearly every major conflict involving the U.S. military since the 1980s. With its extraordinary lifting power, shipboard compatibility, and multi-role flexibility, the Super Stallion has become a symbol of American airlift dominance.
Despite its age, the CH-53E is expected to remain in limited service until at least 2025, when the newer CH-53K will fully take over its role. For now, the CH-53E remains the largest and most powerful helicopter in the U.S. military arsenal.
Conclusion
The CH-53E Super Stallion exemplifies American military engineering—powerful, rugged, and adaptable. Whether it’s hauling artillery, delivering troops, or conducting minesweeping, the CH-53E continues to prove its value on land and sea. As it nears the end of its service life, it leaves behind a lasting legacy of airlift superiority unmatched in its class.
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