I got to fly the CH53D, almost 1000 hrs in Vietnam, three tours at sea. No Marine ever got a scratch flying behind me, amazing aircraft. Only had two in flight system failures in 1500 hours. Still flying at age 76, would love to fly the CH53 K
The last helo I was on when I was in the USMC was a King Stallion and I have to say it truly is a fantastic airframe and one I will never forget the ride back to camp Pendelton from 29 palms when the pilots decided to follow the road, it was a total blast!
I worked on the engines on H-53A,B, and J models and H-3 Helos. If they aren’t leaking, they are out of fluid. Loved most every minute of the job. They are very good airframes and work horses.
I was a CH-53E crew chief. I have over 2,000 hours in the Super Stallion. I wish I would have gotten a chance to fly on the King Stallion. I love my Sikorsky helicopters!
If I had a choice as a Marine I'd much rather use the Sikorsky than the Osprey. The Osprey has too many moving parts and have a hearty history of crashing. Sikorsky has always made outstanding aircraft.
Amazing aircraft! I do wonder if some of these aircraft are too complex, expensive for mass production, war usage. Brings back memories of playing F22 raptor. Getting frustrated with the mid-air refueling, then using the guns on the tanker. Well I didn't do that again! lol In hindsight I should have expected the result! Being next to an exploding fuel tanker, there's only one outcome. I soo miss that game. But, I guess it's time for DCS.