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Designated S-80E internally by the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, the Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion, and the Navy MH-53E Sea Dragon are the largest and heaviest helicopters in the United States military. The base model CH-53E serves both the Navy and Marines in the heavy lift transport role. It is capable of lifting heavy equipment including the 8 wheeled LAV-25 Light Armored Vehicle (but not the U.S. Army Stryker, which is too heavy), the M198 155mm Howitzer with ammunition and crew, and can recover all other Marine corps aircraft except for the KC-130. The less common MH-53E fills the Navy's need for long range mine sweeping or Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) missions. It features enlarged side mounted fuel sponsons and is rigged for towing its mine sweeping sled from high above the dangerous naval mines. Currently under development is the CH-53K, formerly known as the Heavy Lift Replacement, which will be equipped with three 6000 shp-class turboshaft engines. (from Wikipedia)
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