Description:
"Any
target, any place, and back"
Mission:
The CH-53D Sea Stallion is designed for the transportation of
equipment, supplies and personnel during the assault phase of an
amphibious operation and subsequent operations ashore. Capable of both
internal and external transport of supplies, the CH-53D is shipboard
compatible and capable of operation in adverse weather conditions both
day and night. The CH-53D is now filling a role in the Marine Corps'
medium lift helicopter fleet.
Features:
The twin-engine helicopter is capable of lifting 7 tons (6.35 metric
tons). Improvements to the aircraft include an elastomeric rotor head,
external range extension fuel tanks, crashworthy fuel cells, ARC-182
radios, and defensive electronic countermeasure equipment. The
helicopter will carry 37 passengers in its normal configuration and 55
passengers with centerline seats installed.
Background:
The CH-53D is a more capable version of the CH-53A introduced into the
Marine Corps in 1966. Used extensively both afloat and ashore, the Sea
Stallion was the heavy lift helicopter for the Marine Corps until the
introduction of the CH-53E triple engine variant of the H-53 family
into the fleet in 1981. The CH-53D has performed its multi-role mission
lifting both equipment and personnel in training and combat, most
recently in Operation Desert Storm, where the helicopter performed with
distinction. |
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