MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter |
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Description
The MH-53E is used primarily for Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM), with secondary missions of vertical shipboard delivery and assault support. |
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Background
The MH-53E was derived from the CH-53E Super Stallion and is heavier and has a greater fuel capacity than its ancestor. The MH-53 can operate from carriers and other warships and is capable of towing a variety of mine hunting/sweeping countermeasures systems, including the Mk 105 magnetic minesweeping sled, the AQS-14A side-scan sonar, and the Mk 103 mechanical minesweeping system. When performing the assault support mission, the MH-53E can be fitted with the GAU-21 .50-cal. machine gun ramp-mounted weapon system. |
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Point Of Contact
Naval Air Systems Command
USMC Helicopter Programs Public Affairs
47123 Buse Rd., Bldg 2272, Ste 161
Patuxent River, MD 20670-5440
(301)995-7410
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General Characteristics
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| Contractor: Sikorsky Aircraft Division of United Technologies Corp. |
| Date Deployed: First flight: Dec 23, 1981; Operational: June 1986. |
| Propulsion: Three General Electric T64-GE-419 turboshaft engines (4,750 shaft horsepower each). |
| Length: Fuselage: 73 feet, 4 inches (22 meters); Overall: 99 feet 0.5 inches (30.2 meters). |
| Height: 28 feet 4 inches (8.6 meters). |
| Rotor Diameter: 79 feet (24.1 meters). |
Weight: Max. Gross weight, w/ external load: 69,750 lbs (31,693 kg)
Max. Gross weight, w/internal load: 69,750 lb (31,693 kg)
Empty weight: 36,745 lb (16,667 kg) |
| Airspeed: Max: 150 knots (278 km/hour). |
| Ceiling: 10,000 feet. |
| Range: Max: 1050 nautical miles. |
| Crew: Two pilots, one aircrewman. |
| Load: 55 troops or 32,000 pounds (14,512 kg) cargo. |
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| Last Update: 18 February 2009 |
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