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Description
| Notes: Cargo/troop transport used for amphibious assault and shore operations with 6-BLADE main rotor (3 CREW) . | ||
| Manufacturer: | Sikorsky | |
| Base model: | H-53 | |
| Designation: | CH-53 | |
| Version: | A | |
| Nickname: | Sea Stallion | |
| Designation System: | U.S. Air Force | |
| Designation Period: | 1948-Present | |
| Basic role: | Helicopter | |
| Modified Mission: | Transport | |
Specifications
| Length: | 88' 2" | 26.8 m | |
| Height: | 17' 1" | 5.2 m | |
| Wingspan: | 72' 3" | 22.0 m | |
| Empty Weight: | 22,900 lb | 10,385 kg | |
| Gross Weight: | 42,000 lb | 19,047 kg | |
Propulsion
| No. of Engines: | 2 | ||
| Powerplant: | General Electric T64-GE-413 | ||
| Horsepower (each): | 3925 | ||
Performance
| Range: | 257 miles | 413 km | |
| Cruise Speed: | 173 mph | 278 km/h | 150 kt |
| Max Speed: | 196 mph | 315 km/h | 170 kt |
| Ceiling: | 21,000 ft | 6,400 m | |
History
| Date | Subject | Event |
| 1962/09/24 | DOD announced that Sikorsky, with its S-64 had won the competition to design the HHX, the new heavy Marine Corps helicopter transport, which would be known as the CH-53A. | |
| 1964/05/28 | The first CH-53A came off the production line and was accepted by the Sikorsky Flight Test Division. | |
| 1964/10/14 | Sikorsky Aircraft Company made the first test flight of a CH-53A. | |
| 1966/09/20 | The first CH-53A was delivered to an operational Marine squadron, HMH-463 at Santa Ana. |
Operators (Past and Present)
| USMC | HMH-772 | Willow Grove | PA |
| USMC | HMT-302 | MCAS Tustin | CA |
| USMC | HMT-304 | New River | NC |
Known serial numbers
Examples of this type may be found at
| Museum | City | State |
| National Museum of Naval Aviation | NAS Pensacola | Florida |
| Patuxent River Naval Air Museum | Patuxent River | Maryland |
CH-53A on display
Naval Air Warfare Center | Patuxent River Naval Air Museum |
Recent comments by our visitors
| MIKE BRITTON KENTON, OH | I was with HMH-461 at New River Sep 67 - Mar 68. Then with HMH-463 Marble Mt. Vietnam. CH-53A mech.,gunner,and crew chief from May 68 thru May 69. Member USMC/COMBAT HELICOPTER ASSOCIATION [POPASMOKE] SEMPER FI 01/11/2015 @ 10:30 [ref: 68880] |
| H Blake , OH | I worked on ch53's a Pax River in the late 60's early 70's.The shop was Service Test run by Marines and Navy people.We did engine shake tests and went down to Fla to do 1st try at Mine Sweeping with the Ch53.It was an honor to work on this bird.I did a lot of growing up there and thanks to the people in charge they made me the man I am today. 11/29/2012 @ 09:41 [ref: 67367] |
| John Nicholson Denver, CO | I was with HMH-462 in Viet Nam. Our sister squadron was HMH-463. Please check out www.popasmoke.com. It's an award winning website about Marine helicopters. We have a reunion every two years, with around 2,500 to 3,000 people attending. Last reunion in '08 was Washington DC, the next reunion in '10 will be Reno, NV. We have vets from Korea to present and MANY different squadrons represented. Marine "lights", "Mediums" and "Heavys". Check out our site you will NOT be disappointed: www.popasmoke.com
Pop-A-Smoke ... get it? The organization is called: USMC/Combat Helicopter Association 01/09/2009 @ 21:36 [ref: 23455] |
| rudy milwaukee, WI | Just looking for information on anyone who worked with GySgt Klitzka in 463. I know he was with 463 for Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Lemme know. 06/21/2008 @ 08:04 [ref: 21567] |
| Pam , VA | P.s. Any Marines that would like to meet or find other Marines check out http://www.togetherweserved.com. A Free website by Marines for Marines. 02/11/2007 @ 07:26 [ref: 15481] |
| Pam Quantico, VA | I was at H&HS & SOMS K-Bay 83-86. Mostly hung out with the HMH-463 gang, tho. Married Al Cast (now divorced). Still friends with Mike "Hambone" Wellinghurst. Spent quite a bit of time with Del Rio and his crew at Primo Pier, playing liars poker and getting Bay qualed. Remember the auto hobby shop? We raced cars at Cambell Industrial Park against the locals. Fun Stuff!
Semper Fi! 02/11/2007 @ 05:48 [ref: 15478] |
| dori , WI | hey. anyone remember klitzka from 463 in 1991? 01/11/2007 @ 10:18 [ref: 15156] |
| Cliff Wilson Brandon, MS | I was with 463 from 86-90 assigned to flightline (mostly nightcrew). Had a great time and built some good friendships. When & where is the reunion?
Cliff. 12/31/2006 @ 12:29 [ref: 15050] |
| Earl Underwood , VA | If Mark, Tim or Yotes checks back into this page, please give he a shout on the wire. I have an annual reunion that includes many of the ole gang from HMH-463 and would love for you all to attend. Last year we had over 75 people, of course this included the families, but nonetheless we had a great time.
I look forward to hearing from you all and anyone else that is interest in attending the Shitter Boyz reunion. Earl. 08/25/2006 @ 08:43 [ref: 13992] |
| Earl Underwood , VA | If Mark, Tim or Yotes cheks back into this page, please give he a shout on the wire. I have an annual reunion that includes many of the ole gang from HMH-463 and would love for you all to attend. Last year we had over 75 people, of course this included the families, but nonetheless we had a great time.
I look forward to hearing from you all and anyone else that is interest in attending the Shitter Boyz reunion. Earl. 08/25/2006 @ 08:43 [ref: 13991] |
Recent photos uploaded by our visitors
