Sikorsky CH-53G Sea Stallion

The Sikorsky CH‑53G Sea Stallion, produced by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, is the German Army’s heavy‑lift transport helicopter and a licensed derivative of the U.S. CH‑53D. Development began in the late 1960s when the Bundeswehr sought a robust rotorcraft capable of moving troops, artillery and supplies in Europe’s varied terrain. In 1975 the first CH‑53G flew, and by 1979 it entered service, replacing older Sikorsky S‑61s. The aircraft is powered by three General Electric T64‑G‑E‑416 turboshaft engines, delivering over 4,000 hp combined, which gives it a maximum take‑off weight of roughly 33 000 kg and a payload capacity of 12 000 kg. Its six‑bladed main rotor and reinforced airframe allow operations in hot‑and‑high and maritime environments, while an onboard TADS‑FSI flight‑control system provides precise handling. Over 70 CH‑53Gs have served in NATO exercises, humanitarian missions, and disaster relief, proving the type’s versatility. The type’s longevity and continual upgrades, such as the G/II modernization programme, underscore its significance as a benchmark heavy‑lift platform that has shaped modern tactical air mobility and influenced subsequent rotorcraft designs worldwide. Looking ahead, the CH‑53G fleet will receive avionics upgrades to align with CH‑53K standards, ensuring its relevance in next‑generation operations and cementing its legacy as an enduring workhorse of military aviation.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

Sikorsky CH-53G Sea Stallion

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