Sikorsky CH-53 (S-65)
Ch-53
Type:
Heavy Lift Assault Helicopter (RH-53 minesweeper)

Origin: Sikorsky

Models: CH-53A Sea Stallion, HH-53, RH-53 & Many variants

First Flight: October 14, 1964
Service Delivery: May 1966
Final Delivery: N/A

Engine:
Two General Electric T64-6 free turbine turboshaft (Various versions)
Horsepower (Early models): 2,850 shp
Horsepower (D & G): 3,925 shp
Horsepower (RH-53D): 4,380 shp
Horsepower (CH-53E, three engines): 4,380 shp

Dimensions:
Main Rotor (Most): 22.02m (72 ft. 3 in.)
Main Rotor (7 Bladed CH-53): 24.08m (79 ft.)
Length (Overall): 26.9m (88 ft. 3 in.)
Height (Overall): 7.6m (24 ft. 11 in.)

 Weights:
Empty (CH-53D): 10,653 kg (23,485 lbs.)
Loaded (Most): 19,050 kg (42,000 lbs.)
Loaded (RH-53D): 50,000 lbs.
Loaded (CH-53E): Over 60,000 lbs.

Performance:
Maximum Speed (Most): 196mph (315km/h)
Maximum Speed (CH-53E): Over 200 mph
Initial Climb (Max): 2,180 ft. (664m) per minute
Service Ceiling: 20,400 ft. (6220m)
Range: 540 Miles (869km)

Armament:
Most, None

Notes:
Designed from the Sikorsky S-61 series of helicopters, the S-65 family includes the largest and most powerful helicopters built outside the Soviet Union. The powertrain, rotor system and control systems were adapted from the S-64 Skycrane though titanium rotor blades and the ability of the blades to fold was added.
The German Army has 153 CH-53D's, most of them built in Germany.

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