Data Quality87%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the heavy lift helicopters category.
01 / Overview
Sikorsky H-53 Sea Stallion
Category
Country
Prime contractor
Production
1966–1978
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
HEAVY LIFT HELICOPTERS · COLD WAR
5
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
87
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the heavy lift helicopters category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
- First Flight1964
- Service Entry Year1966
- Crew2
- Passengers55
- Primary RoleHeavy-lift transport cargo helicopter
- In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant8MOD.8
- Engine TypeGeneral Electric T64-GE-413
- Number of Engines2
- Engine Power (each)2,109 kW
- Transmission Rating3,356 kW
- Rotor ConfigurationSingle main rotor with tail rotor
- Main Rotor Diameter22.02 m
- Main Rotor Blades6
- Anti-Torque TypeTail rotor
▣Performance10MOD.10
- Top Speed314.813 km/h
- Cruise Speed278 km/h
- Never-Exceed Speed (VNE)315 km/h
- Service Ceiling5,105.4 m
- Hover Ceiling (IGE)3,520 m
- Hover Ceiling (OGE)2,590 m
- Range1,000 km
- Ferry Range1,640 km
- Rate of Climb12.7 m/s
- Endurance180
◇Dimensions & Weights7MOD.7
- Fuselage Length20.422 m
- Height7.6 m
- Rotor Disc Area380.6
- Empty Weight10,740 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight19,100 kg
- Useful Load8,360 kg
- Cabin Volume31.9
◆Armament & Mission5MOD.5
- Hardpoints0
- Weapons Payload3,630 kg
- Gun0.50-inch machine guns (RH-53D)
- Sling Load Capacity9,100 kg
- Rescue HoistYes
▤Avionics6MOD.6
⬢Survivability6MOD.6
▲Production2MOD.2
- Total Built412
- Variants53
◎Service History4MOD.4
- Retirement Year2012
- Production Start1964
- Production End1978
- Operational StatusLimited service with some operators
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1966Production started
- 1978Production ended
60
years in service
12
years in production
6
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Variants
▚ WEAPON FAMILY
Sikorsky H-53 Sea Stallion // SIBLING VARIANTS
05 / Operators
Operator Countries6country
06 / MASS Score
HEAVY LIFT HELICOPTERS RANKING Heavy Lift Helicopters · Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
13HEAVY LIFT HELICOPTERS5COLD WAR · HEAVY LIFT HELICOPTERS235UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS11PERFORMANCE/PRICE · HEAVY LIFT HELICOPTERS
ⓘ Rankings are within theHeavy Lift Helicopterscategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE3terms
Autopilot/AFCS (Automatic Flight Control System) is an avionics suite that automatically controls a helicopter’s attitude, navigation and flight path, providing stability augmentation and reducing pilot workload.
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