The Sikorsky CH-53 Super Stallion heavy lift helicopter first flew in 1974 and entered service with the US Marine Corps in 1981. A total of 172 Super Stallions have been delivered and 165 are in service with Marine Corps squadrons in the Pacific Fleet and in the Atlantic Fleet. The helicopter is also in service with the Marine Corps' reserve, training and experimental squadrons. The final Super Stallion for the USMC was delivered in November 2003.
The Marine Corps use the Super Stallion in the amphibious assault role and for transporting heavy equipment. The United States Navy also use the Super Stallion for vertical delivery and recovery of damaged aircraft on aircraft carriers.
In 2000, the USMC announced the CH-53X program to upgrade the CH-53E and extend its service life to 2025. Upgrades would include a new engine (preferably the Rolls-Royce AE1107C but other candidates include Honeywell T55-715, Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150 and GE T64-416), substantially increased payload capacity, all-composite rotor, elastomeric rotor head and glass cockpit. In March 2004, a USMC Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) determined that a new-build airframe would be a more cost-effective solution. Sikorsky has received risk reduction contracts for the development of the CH-53X (now renamed Heavy Lift Rotorcraft HLR). Requirement is for 156 helicopters and service entry is planned for 2015.
