VFW CH-53G

Sikorsky provided two CH-53G to West German Heeeresgeflieger and a further 20 knock-down kits to VFW-Fokker for license production with VFW c/ns. VFW-Fokker then went on to build 90 on their own. Since the introduction of the CH-53 in the early 70s several upgrades have been performed. The most significant of these upgrades was the conversion of 20 CH-53G-models into CH-53GS. The CH-53GS is a Combat Search and Rescue variant (CSAR) of the aircraft. A total of 20 CH-53s received this modification, which includes adding external fuel tanks, Night Vision-capabilities and a package for self-defence.