United States Marine Corps Weapons & Equipment

CH/RH-53D Sea Stallion Helicopter

Primary function: Transportation of equipment and supplies during the ship-to-shore movement of an amphibious assault and during subsequent operations ashore.
Manufacturer: Sikorsky Aircraft
Power plant: Two General Electric T64-GE-413 turboshaft engines producing 3925 shaft horsepower each.
Length: 88 feet 6 inches (26.96 meters)
Height: 24 feet 11 inches (7.59 meters)
Rotor diameter: 72 feet 2.7 inches (22.01 meters)
Speed: 130 knots (149.5 miles per hour)
Maximum takeoff weight: 42,000 pounds (19,068 kilograms)
Range: 690 miles (600 nautical miles)
Armament: Two XM-218 .50 cal machineguns
Crew: 3
Introduction date: 1966
Unit Replacement Cost: out of production

Mission: The CH-53D Sea Stallion is designed for the transportation of equipment, supplies and personnel during the assault phase of an amphibious operation and subsequent operations ashore. Capable of both internal and external transport of supplies, the CH-53D is shipboard compatible and capable of operation in adverse weather conditions both day and night. The CH-53D is now filling a role in the Marine Corps' medium lift helicopter fleet.

Features: The twin-engine helicopter is capable of lifting 7 tons (6.35 metric tons). Improvements to the aircraft include an elastomeric rotor head, external range extension fuel tanks, crashworthy fuel cells, ARC-182 radios, and defensive electronic countermeasure equipment. The helicopter will carry 37 passengers in its normal configuration and 55 passengers with centerline seats installed.

Inventory: Active - 54; Reserve - 18

Background: The CH-53D is a more capable version of the CH-53A introduced into the Marine Corps in 1966. Used extensively both afloat and ashore, the Sea Stallion was the heavy lift helicopter for the Marine Corps until the introduction of the CH-53E triple engine variant of the H-53 family into the fleet in 1981. The CH-53D has performed its multi-role mission lifting both equipment and personnel in training and combat, most recently in Operation Desert Storm, where the helicopter performed with distinction.

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