Data Quality88%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the utility / transport helicopters category.
01 / Overview
Sikorsky H-53
Category
Country
Prime contractor
Production
1959–1976
Quantity
400
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
UTILITY / TRANSPORT HELICOPTERS · EARLY COLD WAR
1
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
88
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the utility / transport helicopters category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
- First Flight1959
- Service Entry Year1966
- Crew2
- Passengers38
- Primary RoleUtility / Transport Helicopter
- In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant8MOD.8
- Engine TypeTurboshaft
- Number of Engines2
- Engine Power (each)2,927 kW
- Transmission Rating5,595 kW
- Rotor ConfigurationSingle main rotor with tail rotor
- Main Rotor Diameter22.02 m
- Main Rotor Blades6
- Anti-Torque TypeTail rotor
▣Performance10MOD.10
- Top Speed315 km/h
- Cruise Speed278 km/h
- Never-Exceed Speed (VNE)315 km/h
- Service Ceiling5,640 m
- Hover Ceiling (IGE)3,385 m
- Hover Ceiling (OGE)2,560 m
- Range1,000 km
- Ferry Range1,600 km
- Rate of Climb12.7 m/s
- Endurance180
◇Dimensions & Weights7MOD.7
- Fuselage Length17 m
- Height5.32 m
- Rotor Disc Area380.9
- Empty Weight10,740 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight19,100 kg
- Useful Load8,360 kg
- Cabin Volume21.3
◆Armament & Mission7MOD.7
- Hardpoints0
- Weapons Payload3,630 kg
- Anti-Tank MissilesNo
- Air-to-Air MissilesNo
- Rocket PodsNo
- Sling Load Capacity9,100 kg
- Rescue HoistYes
▤Avionics7MOD.7
⬢Survivability6MOD.6
▲Production2MOD.2
- Total Built400
- Variants5
◎Service History4MOD.4
- Retirement Year1990
- Production Start1959
- Production End1976
- Operational StatusRetired from frontline service
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1959Production started
- 1976Production ended
67
years in service
17
years in production
400
units produced
5
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it. 2 countries retired it.
04 / Operators
Operator Countries7country
05 / MASS Score
UTILITY / TRANSPORT HELICOPTERS RANKING Utility / Transport Helicopters · Early Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
21UTILITY / TRANSPORT HELICOPTERS1EARLY COLD WAR · UTILITY / TRANSPORT HELICOPTERS342UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS59PERFORMANCE/PRICE · UTILITY / TRANSPORT HELICOPTERS
ⓘ Rankings are within theUtility / Transport Helicopterscategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE3terms
Armored protective panels installed in the cockpit area of an attack helicopter to shield the crew from small arms fire and shrapnel.
Seats designed to absorb crash forces, reducing injury to occupants.
A mechanical device used to lift personnel or cargo via a cable, typically mounted on helicopters for rescue or recovery operations.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources