How much did the S-65's power grow between the first…

How much did the S-65's power grow between the first CH-53A and the CH-53E?

Short answer

The original CH-53A was fitted with two General Electric T64-GE-6 turboshafts of 2,850 shp (2,125 kW) each; the CH-53E has three T64-GE-416, GE-416A, or GE-419 engines of 4,380 shp (3,270 kW) each. In between, the Sea Stallion's T64-413 had already risen to 3,925 shp (2,927 kW).

Published: November 1, 2026 · Updated: November 1, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

How much did the S-65's power grow between the first CH-53A and the CH-53E?

Sikorsky CH-53E (USMC) 17394

Two T64s in the first Sea Stallion

The YCH-53A first flew on 14 October 1964. The original CH-53A was fitted with two General Electric T64-GE-6 turboshafts of 2,850 shp (2,125 kW) each. Delivery of the first 106 helicopters began in September 1966. On 17 February 1968, a CH-53A with modified T64 engines took off at a gross weight of 23,540 kg with a 9,925 kg payload, setting an unofficial record.

A third engine and a seven-blade rotor

The CH-53E was developed from the CH-53 Sea Stallion mainly by adding a third engine, a seventh blade to the main rotor, and tilting the tail rotor 20°. The initial YCH-53E flew in 1974. Its three General Electric T64-GE-416, GE-416A, or GE-419 turboshafts deliver 4,380 shp (3,270 kW) each.

The intermediate step and the German line

Within the Sea Stallion family itself there was an earlier step: the T64-413, whose power had already been raised to 3,925 shp (2,927 kW). Licensed production of the German version was undertaken by VFW-Fokker, which built 110 aircraft as the CH-53G.