NAVAIR

MH-53E Sea Dragon

Mission

The MH-53E currently has two missions; one is the AMCM mission and the second mission is the Navy Vertical Onboard Delivery mission.

Description

The MH-53E Sea Dragon incorporates GPS, Doppler radar, Approach/Hover/Tow Coupler, and carries no weapons. UHF/VHF/HF radios, secure comm. capability, IFF. Communications include UHF/VHF/HF radios, secure comm. capability, and IFF. Currently out of production. Service Life issues are under study. The MH-53E Sea Dragon will perform the AMCM mission until at least 2017. The Navy is in the process of evaluating it’s requirement for both AMCM and Heavy Lift Vertical Onboard Delivery beyond 2017. Decisions are expected in late 2009.

Specifications

Fuselage Length: 73 feet, 4 inches
Overall Length: 99 feet
Height: 28 feet, 4 inches
Max Gross Weight: 69,750 pounds
Speed: 172 miles/hour (150 knots)
Ceiling: 10,000 feet (without supplemental oxygen)
Range: 1,289 statute miles (1,120 nautical miles)
Power Plant: 3 General Electric T64-GD-419 turboshaft (4,750 SHP each)
Crew: 2 pilots, 1-6 aircrew men, depending on mission
Contractor: Sikorsky Aircraft

Program Status

ACAT: ACAT
Production Phase: Sustainment
Inventory: 31