The US Navy


	U.S. Navy Fact Sheet MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter Description The MH-53E is used primarily for Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM), with secondary missions of vertical shipboard delivery and assault support. Background The MH-53E was derived from the CH-53E Super Stallion and is heavier and has a greater fuel capacity than its ancestor. The MH-53 can operate from carriers and other warships and is capable of towing a variety of mine hunting/sweeping countermeasures systems, including the Mk 105 magnetic minesweeping sled, the AQS-14A side-scan sonar, and the Mk 103 mechanical minesweeping system. When performing the assault support mission, the MH-53E can be fitted with the GAU-21 .50-cal. machine gun ramp-mounted weapon system.

	Point Of Contact Naval Air Systems Command USMC Helicopter Programs Public Affairs 47123 Buse Rd., Bldg 2272, Ste 161 Patuxent River, MD 20670-5440 (301)995-7410

	General Characteristics
	Contractor: Sikorsky Aircraft Division of United Technologies Corp.
	Date Deployed: First flight: Dec 23, 1981; Operational: June 1986.
	Propulsion: Three General Electric T64-GE-419 turboshaft engines (4,750 shaft horsepower each).
	Length: Fuselage: 73 feet, 4 inches (22 meters); Overall: 99 feet 0.5 inches (30.2 meters).
	Height: 28 feet 4 inches (8.6 meters).
	Rotor Diameter: 79 feet (24.1 meters).
	Weight: Max. Gross weight, w/ external load: 69,750 lbs (31,693 kg) Max. Gross weight, w/internal load: 69,750 lb (31,693 kg) Empty weight: 36,745 lb (16,667 kg)
	Airspeed: Max: 150 knots (278 km/hour).
	Ceiling: 10,000 feet.
	Range: Max: 1050 nautical miles.
	Crew: Two pilots, one aircrewman.
	Load: 55 troops or 32,000 pounds (14,512 kg) cargo.

	Last Update: 18 February 2009