CH-53E Super Stallion Navy: The Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion heavy lift helicopter is the largest helicopter in the United States military inventory and in the western world. It is commonly referred to as the “Hurricane Maker” by sailors because of the downward thrust it generates. The CH-53E was built for the US Marine Corps (USMC) but has also been operated by the US Navy (USN). The USMC employed the Super Stallion in the amphibious assault role for transporting heavy equipment, while the USN used it for vertical delivery and recovery of damaged aircraft on aircraft carriers. The CH-53E also served with the reserve, training and experimental squadrons of the Marine Corps, where it first entered service in 1981. The final helicopter was delivered in November 2003. Derived from the CH-53D Sea Stallion, it is one of the few helicopters in the world configured with three gas turbine engines and in-flight refueling, through which the aircraft can extend its range and endurance. The main rotor consists of seven blades, and the CH-53E is equipped with dual digital automatic flight control and global positioning systems. The night vision system allows low-altitude operations at night and the engine anti-ice system gives the aircraft an all-weather capability. In its normal configuration, the helicopter seats 37 passengers. With centerline seats installed, it can hold up to 55 passengers. Designed for the lifting and transportation of cargo and personnel, and the external lifting of heavy oversized equipment, the CH-53E is the only helicopter capable of raising some of the new weapon systems in the USMC. It can carry a maximum internal load of 14,515 kg and a maximum external payload of 16,330 kg.