How much does a CH-53K cost?
The current recurring flyaway cost for the CH-53K is just under $91.6 million per aircraft, Maj. Jay Hernandez, a Marine Corps spokesman, told Marine Corps Times. For comparison, the F-35′s current recurring flyaway cost is $77.9 million per aircraft.
What is the CH-53 used for?
The CH-53 Super Stallion is used by the US Marine Corps in the amphibious assault role and for transporting heavy equipment. The Sea Stallion’s seven-bladed main rotor is fitted with a Sikorsky blade inspection system.
What does CH stand for CH-53 helicopter?
Cargo Helicopter
This helicopter was adopted by US Marine Corps as the CH-53E Super Stallion in 1981. The “CH” designation stands for “Cargo Helicopter”. The Super Stallion saw its first shipboard deployment in 1983. A total of 227 machines were built and 180 of them are still in service.
Does the CH-53K have weapons?
The troops are fully equipped with loaded packs as well as individual weapons: almost all carry M4 carbines, together with the odd M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle, M32 grenade launcher, and M72 Light Anti-tank Weapon, or LAW. Marines seated aboard the CH-53K with the two crew chiefs at the front of the cabin.
Can a CH-53 lift a tank?
This gives it a lift capacity of 32,000 pounds, with a maximum takeoff weight of 73,500 pounds. The CH-53E can fly 621 miles before refueling, and can travel 57 miles carrying a 16 ton load.
What is a CH-53 helicopter?
The CH-53 was operated by the Air Force, United States Marine Corps and U.S. Navy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It is also operated by all three services in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
How much did Sikorsky pay for the CH-53K heavy lift helicopter?
Retrieved 22 January 2017. ^ “Sikorsky Awarded $3.0B Development Contract For Marine Corps CH-53K Heavy-Lift Helicopter” Archived 27 November 2008 at the Wayback Machine. Sikorsky Aircraft, 5 April 2006.
What is a CH-53E Super Stallion?
The dimensionally-similar CH-53E Super Stallion is a heavier-lifting, improved version designated S-80E by Sikorsky. Its third engine makes it more powerful than the Sea Stallion, which it has replaced in the heavy-lift mission. In 1960, the United States Marine Corps began to seek a replacement for their HR2S piston-powered helicopters.
How many MH-53E helicopters are in the US Navy?
Marine CH-53Es and CH-46Es carried US Army Rangers and Special Operations troops in a mission to rescue captured Army Private Jessica Lynch on 1 April 2003. Currently, about 150 CH-53E helicopters are in service with the Marines and another 28 MH-53Es are in service with the U.S Navy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufHaYDcXLmc