The Sikorsky S-65/S-80, is the western largest transport helicopter and trace back
to the 1962 US Marines Heavy Helicopter Experimental (HHX) competition.
The twin engined S-65 entered service in 1966.
Although dimensionally similar, the much more powerful three engined Sikorsky S-80E
entered service in 1981 with one more main blade rotor and
tail making a 20° angle to offset the thrust required on the tail rotor
to keep it straight.
Functions: Cargo / SAR First Flight : YCH-53A Oct 14, 1964 Crew / Load: 2 up to 55 (Depending the mission)
CH-53D : Engines: 2 * 3925 shp General Electric T64-GE-413 turboshaft engines Weight: Empty: 10740 kg -- Max: 33000 kg Length: 26.97 m Height: 7.6 m Disc Area: 280.5 m2 Top Speed: 240 km/h Range: Max.: 1000 km Ceiling: 5000 m Range of Climb: 750 m/min
The main cab is scarcely 2.30 meters wide and 1.98 meters high.
Variants
Twin engined (S-65 / S-80)
Three engined (S-80E)
CH-53A : Cargo, USMC RH-53A : Minesweeper, USN TH-53A : Trainer, USAF HH-53B : SAR, USAF HH-53C : Super Jolly Green Giant SAR, USAF CH-53C : Cargo, USAF CH-53D : Cargo, USMC & Israel RH-53D : Minesweeper, USN & Iran VH-53D : VIP, USMC VH-53F : VIP, USMC, not built CH-53G : German Army CH-53D HH-53H : Pave Low II Spec Ops USAF MH-53H : redesigned HH-53H MH-53J : Pave Low III Spec Ops USAF MH-53M : Pave Low IV Spec Ops USAF