HOME      Sikorsky CH-53
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NOTE: RADIO CONTROL HELICOPTERS ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.

Overview:
The largest United States helicopter, the USMC calls the Sikorsky CH-53 the Super Stallion and the U.S. Navy calls it the Sea Dragon.

Primarily the Sikorsky CH-53 is used as a heavy lift vehicle, although the Navy uses a version of the helicopter as a mine sweeper as shown in the picture above.

The Israeli Air Force has been operating the Sikorsky CH-53 for years. Constant upgrades and improvements will keep them operational with the IAF for at least another ten years.

Today Sikorsky CH-53 and Sikorsky MH-53 helicopters still play a role in the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq.
 
 

Development:
In 1958 the concept of the CH-53 heavy lift helicopter was proposed.

November 1958 - An official order was issued to replace the HR2S helicopter.

January 1961 - The UASF, US Navy and Army agreed to jointly develop a Vertical Take Off and Landing vehicle.

August 1961 - The Navy withdrew from the agreement.

March 1962 - A RFQ went out to manufacturers for the helicopter.

May 1962 - Sikorsky and Vertol responded.

August 1962 - Sikorsky beat out Vertol.

October 14, 1964 - The first prototype took to the sky.
September 1966 - Deliveries of CH-53A's began.
 
 
 
Flying the Sikorsky CH-53:
To best describe what flying the CH-53 is like, I first must say "smooth". The rotor system, when all blades are adjusted to keep the same "tip path plane", gives a very smooth flight, unlike other rotor systems that have a characteristic "lope" or vibration. For the size of the aircraft, control response is excellent, even at slow speeds.
 
The Sikorsky CH-53 'A' models with less powerful engines made you watch the loads and density altitudes you were operating in a little closer.
 
The Sikorsky CH-53 'D' (and Super 'A') with their more powerful engines, characterized by a trail of dark smoke from the tailpipe in flight, were very capable.
 
Hovering in the Sikorsky CH-53 always seemed easier than in smaller helicopters and once you have the "picture" of its nose-high hover attitude, a smooth stick action with small corrections gives great control.
 
Things you "had to watch out for" list with the Sikorsky CH-53 was probably topped by the diameter of the main rotors, keeping them away from ship's antennas or superstructure when landing and keeping plenty of safety factor in your distances between aircraft during formation flying.
 
James C. "Smokey" Robinson
Captain, USMCR
June, 1971 December, 1976

CH-53E Specifications

Primary Function:
1996 US$ Cost
Crew:
Engines:
Length:
Height:
Rotor Diameter:
Capacity:
Payload:
Weight Empty:
Max. Weight:
Cruise Speed:
Max. Speed:
Climb Rate:
Ceiling:
Range:
"E" First Flight:

heavy lift
$26.1 million
three
3- 4,380 shp ea.
73' 4"
27' 9"
79 feet
55 troops
32,000 lbs.
33,226 lbs.
73,500 lbs.
173 mph
196 mph
2,500 fpm
18,500 feet
690 miles
12/23/81
  
Radio Control Helicopter
RC Helicopter built by David McGirth.
 
Radio Control Helicopters:



Pictured above is a Sikorsky MH-53 RC Helicopter built by David Mc Girth.
The Sikorsky MH-53 radio control helicopter features a custom built fueslage by Lars Zander. The RC Helicopter has a 71" length, is 17" wide and 15" high. The six blade main rotors of the radio control helicopter are 35" long. The four blade tail rotor of the RC Helicopter features 7.75" long blades.
 
In the first picture below is the Sikorsky CH-53 radio control helicopter from Mr. Hino. The 1/48 scale RC Helicopter was converted from an Academy plastic display kit. The radio control helicopter features a 7 blade rotor with a diameter of 19.7". Power for the RC Helicopter is by an AXI 2212 motor for the main rotor and a Feigao 12 motor for the tail rotor.
 
High Torque has a Sikorsky CH-53 fuselage that fits the Piccolo radio control helicopter.
 
DDS Modelltechnik has a Sikorsky CH-53G RC Helicopter with a 72" main rotor.
 
In the last picture below is the 1:11 scale Sikorsky CH-53 radio control helicopter built by Heinz Hoffmann. The RC Helicopter is powered by a Webra 120 engine turning a 65.5" diameter 6 blade main rotor.

If you know of any other Sikorsky CH/MH-53 radio control helicopters, or have built or flown a CH/MH-53 RC Helicopter please tell us about it.



Radio Control Helicopter
RC Helicopter built by Mr. Hino.

Radio Control Helicopter

RC Helicopter built by Heinz Hoffmann.