The Sikorsky S-65 / CH-53 helicopter family were designed as heavy transport helicopters in the 1960s with several versions were developed with "Stallion" nick names. The engine is usually the GE T-64 and it has a large cabin and cargo hooks. It was operational in 1967 and also used in Vietnam. The H-53E is the 3-engined version with an extra seventh rotor blade and stronger transmission etc. The MH-53E has a mine sweeping role. Several countries used the family type in either version including Germany, Iran, Austria, Mexico, Japan, Israel.
CH-53E 3-engined profile
MH-53M Sea Dragon
This helicopter is a 3-engined special operations version with defensive avionics and called Pave Low IV. This particular aircraft s/n 73-1652 was used by 16th AFSOC at Hurlburt field, Florida. It was seen at the Pensacola museum, Florida.
Photographed by Cees Hendriks, (C) Copyright IPMS Nederland
CH-53E Super Stallion
This helicopter is probably a CH-53E. It is a 3-engined version with tank boom. This no. "67" is used by the US MARINES Corps and was seen at an Open Day at at Pensacola, Florida.
Photographed by Cees Hendriks, (C) Copyright IPMS Nederland
CH-53G
This is a photo collection of CH-53 helicopters as used by the West German army (called "HEER" in German) in the 1980s. These helicopters were used for heavy transport.
Photo/ Slide scans by Fred Bachofner, (C) Copyright IPMS Nederland
OFFICIAL USAF COLOUR INFORMATION H-53
from USAF handbook Technical order TO 1-1-4. Collection M. de Vreeze (used with permission)
Standard System colour numbers refer to the Federal Standard system with 5 digit numbered colours. Deviations on real helicopters may occur.
Several scale models exist of the CH-53 and variants with 2 or 3 engines, so check the desired variant and kit. In 1/72 scale from Airfix, Fujimi, Academy, Revell / Bilek. In 1/48 from Revell, Wolfpack, Academy. In 1/144 a kit by Revell.
This page was created October 2016 by M. de Vreeze