The CH-53 Sea Stallion is the most common name for the
Sikorsky S-65 family of heavy-lift transport helicopters. Originally developed
for use by the United States Marine Corps, it is also in service with Germany,
Iran, Israel, and Mexico. The United States Air Force operated the HH-53
"Super Jolly Green Giant" during the late- and post-Vietnam War era,
updating most of them as the MH-53 Pave Low.
The dimensionally-similar CH-53 Super Stallion is a
heavier-lifting, improved version designated S-80E by Sikorsky. Its third
engine makes it more powerful than the Sea Stallion, which it has replaced in
the heavy-lift mission.
