The story
Sikorsky took the twin-engine Sea Stallion and added a third engine, a seventh main rotor blade and a tail rotor canted 20 degrees. The CH-53E Super Stallion first flew in 1974 and joined the Marine Corps in 1981. It carries 37 troops, slings up to 36,000 lb under its belly and takes on fuel in flight through a probe in the nose, and it was the largest helicopter in the Western world until its successor arrived. That successor is the CH-53K King Stallion: the same three-engine, seven-blade layout with far more powerful engines, and nearly three times the E's external load on a hot, high day. It first flew in 2015 and is now replacing the E squadron by squadron, with the changeover planned to finish in fiscal 2032. Israel has bought the K too.
In June 1995 two Marine CH-53Es from USS Kearsarge flew into Bosnia and lifted out Air Force pilot Scott O'Grady, who had evaded capture for days after being shot down.
Quick answers
How do you identify a CH-53E Super Stallion / CH-53K King Stallion?
A huge single rotor with seven blades, a tall tail with the fin and tail rotor tilted to one side, fuel sponsons along the lower fuselage and a long refuelling probe jutting from the nose. Count the exhausts around the rotor housing: three on the E, two on the older Sea Stallion. The H53S code also covers the Navy's MH-53E Sea Dragon, due to retire in 2027, and the CH-53K King Stallion, which keeps the three engines and seven blades.
What does a CH-53E Super Stallion / CH-53K King Stallion sound like?
A deep, heavy beat from seven big blades with a three-turbine whine over the top. You feel it in your chest before it clears the trees.
How fast is the CH-53E Super Stallion / CH-53K King Stallion?
Top speed is 170 kts (CH-53E).
How many people does the CH-53E Super Stallion / CH-53K King Stallion carry?
Typical configuration: 37 troops (55 with centre-row seats) on the CH-53E, or up to 36,000 lb slung underneath.
How far can the CH-53E Super Stallion / CH-53K King Stallion fly?
Range is about 540 nmi (CH-53E).
How big is the CH-53E Super Stallion / CH-53K King Stallion?
It is 99 ft 0 in (rotors turning, CH-53E) long and 79 ft 0 in across the rotor.
When did the CH-53E Super Stallion / CH-53K King Stallion first fly?
Its first flight was in 1974.
How many CH-53E Super Stallion / CH-53K King Stallions have been built?
About 170 CH-53Es and 50 MH-53Es; 25 CH-53Ks by April 2026, 200 planned built.
How rare is a CH-53E Super Stallion / CH-53K King Stallion in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first CH-53E Super Stallion / CH-53K King Stallion catch is worth 250 points.
