Sikorsky CH-53 Illustrated

The Sikorsky H-53 was an evolutionary design of the heavy lift helicopter that set records when it was introduced in the 1950s. That heavy lifter was the HR2S, later designated CH-37. The “Duece” was developed to carry Marines into battle, so its successor would be similarly tasked. The CH-53 was a new design, which continued to evolve after its introduction in the 1960s. That evolution was not revolutionary, and the 53 retained its basic shape throughout its long career. The CH-53 began its career with the Marines, and continued to serve the Corps throughout its long and distinguished career, through several iterations of the basic design, culminating in the upgrade that would produced the biggest upgrade of all…..the “King Stallion”. The Navy adopted the CH-53 for its heavy lift and mine clearing missions, also operating the basic and super versions. The CH-53 proved its utility in other important roles for the United States Air Force. One of the most critical missions of the Vietnam War was that of rescue and recovery of downed aircrew, a mission that scarcely existed before Vietnam produced so many needs for helicopters to pluck the shot-down from the jungles of Southeast Asia, usually in enemy territory. The helicopters flying that mission became known as “Jolly Green Giants’, first with the HH-3 and then with the HH-53 “Super Jolly Green Giant’. (Any significant upgrade in military parlance has a better than even chance to become “super”.) Sikorsky introduced the first HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant for service with the ARRS in 1967. The biggest improvements were a larger cargo compartment, greater lift capacity, and more defensive capabilities. Capable of flying farther and in more hostile territory than its predecessors, the HH-53 became the ultimate rescue vehicle by the end of American involvement in SEA. And when the H-53 became the vehicle of choice for USAF Special Operators, the MH-53 Pave Low was born. The Air Force retired the 53 in favor of the H-60 and the V-22 Osprey, but the Navy and Marines continued to operate an entirely new version of the 53, the CH-53E Super Stallion. The CH-53E was super in its day, but a new century brought another upgrade to the basic design, and this upgrade lived up to its name. The CH-53K “King Stallion” is indeed a king of the heavy lifters, and a name change worthy of a new model. This long history and the multiple missions of the 53 make for a very colorful and interesting “Illustrated” history. Read more