Sikorsky CH/MH/HH-53 Sea Stallion, Super Stallion, Sea Dragon, Pave Low Models

The CH-53 Sea Stallion, also known as the Sikorsky S-65, is a heavy-lift transport helicopter family designed and manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft, an American manufacturer. The development of the CH-53 was initiated in March 1962, following a request from the United States Navy's Bureau of Naval Weapons for a replacement for the Sikorsky CH-37 Mojave helicopters flown by the United States Marine Corps (USMC). Sikorsky's proposal, which involved a scaled-up S-61R equipped with twin General Electric T64 turboshaft engines and the dynamic system of the S-64/CH-54, was selected in July 1962. Over time, several variants of the CH-53 were introduced. The United States Air Force introduced the HH-53 "Super Jolly Green Giant" during the latter part of the Vietnam War, primarily configured for special operations and combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions, with the majority being rebuilt into the MH-53 Pave Low. The CH-53E Super Stallion, a heavier-lifting, improved version of the CH-53, was also developed, designated S-80E by Sikorsky, with a third engine that made it more powerful than the Sea Stallion, and thus replaced it for the heavy-lift mission. Sikorsky®, SUPER STALLION™, SEA DRAGON™, PAVE LOW™, associated emblems and logos, and body designs of vehicles are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in the USA and/or other jurisdictions, used under license by Squadron Nostalgia LLC.