The Sikorsky CH-53E (S-80) Super Stallion is the latest operating derivation of the HH-53 (S-65) “Super Jolly Green Giant” Sea Stallion helicopter originally developed in the 1960’s for search and air rescue and heavy lift missions. Unlike the earlier twin-engined HH-53 variant, the CH-53E is powered by three General Electric T64-GE-416(A) turboshaft engines and incorporates a host of other changes from the earlier S-65 model - though dimensionally they are similar. The CH-53E is one of the largest helicopters in the world and its main missions are heavy-lift to forward zones, amphibious assault support, mine sweeping, casualty transport, and SAR (Search and Rescue).
**Please note, the earlier post here listed this tattoo inaccurately as an MH-53 Pavelow III - we have corrected this to the CH-53E - our apologies to veterans and servicemen of the type**
In honor of the monstrous helicopter, artist Niko of Hold Fast Tattoo in Chandler, AZ created this black and gray tattoo piece.
Please click on the image above or the link below for a larger image.
Click the above image for the full-size photo.
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Aaron Bettison Says:
As a crew member on the Mh-53J/M for 17 years I can tell you that that is not an MH-53J/M. It is a CH-53E/MH-53J/M. The tail pylon on it is cantered and has a support strut on it, the MH-53 does not have a cantered tail pylon. There is no radar or Forward Looking Infared Radar (FLIR) either. The only thing that makes it a MH-53J/M is the fact that it has the 650 gallon auxillary fuel tank. If you go to website listed you can see the Mighty MH-53J/M (Pavelow).
http://thepavecave.com
Not being disrespectful to the tattoo recipient or artist, just setting the record straight.
Posted on December 29th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Ryan K. Says:
Many thanks for the clarification! I have changed the entry to reflect the CH-53E and appreciate the heads up! My apologies for the error — I know I get pretty worked up when people call the B-25 I work on a “B-52″ or a B-24… so I can imagine your frustration as well! Hope I didn’t upset many of you who flew aboard the Pavelow or the Super Stallion… my apologies!
Posted on December 29th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Aaron Bettison Says:
Thanks much for fixing the posting all the men of Pavelow will be greatful.
Posted on January 2nd, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Tony Quartaro Says:
Looks good! As a vetern helicopter crew chief of CH-53C’s from the old USAF in Semback, AB Germany to MH-53’s to now HH-60’s Thanks for fixing the posting. Killer tat by the way and looking to get something similer myself soon!
Posted on April 7th, 2009 at 3:31 pm