Hornet14 Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 I know that the MH-53s were retired in 08 but a MH-53 looking heil just flew over my house, it was definatley a CH-53 family heli but had the inflight refueling probe and the bumps on the nose, does anyone know if any MH-53s are still flying? Thanks Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TaiidanTomcat Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 (edited) I know that the MH-53s were retired in 08 but a MH-53 looking heil just flew over my house, it was definatley a CH-53 family heli but had the inflight refueling probe and the bumps on the nose, does anyone know if any MH-53s are still flying? Thanks :cheers:/>/> The Pave lows were retired, Past You may have seen one of these: Present The lastest -53, the CH-53K is due to fly its first flight in July (after delays of course) Future Edited May 16, 2015 by TaiidanTomcat Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hornet14 Posted May 16, 2015 Author Share Posted May 16, 2015 Ah ok might have been one of the Navy birds then didnt know those had the IFR probes thanks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Don Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 Then again... :lol: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Devilleader501 Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 Holy crap I didn't realize they changed it so much. From what I understood it was going to basically remain the same only have wider rotor blades and bigger sponson's. I didnt think they were going to widen it and change the profile of the tail again too. That thing is crazy looking. I have been told the new 53K can lift a 10K total more than the 53E. Also the 53K is supposed to be better on gas at the same time. Not sure what better on gas means when the Marine Corp uses millions of gallons a day but hey whatever props your ship up right. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TaiidanTomcat Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 Holy crap I didn't realize they changed it so much. From what I understood it was going to basically remain the same only have wider rotor blades and bigger sponson's. I didnt think they were going to widen it and change the profile of the tail again too. That thing is crazy looking. I have been told the new 53K can lift a 10K total more than the 53E. Also the 53K is supposed to be better on gas at the same time. Not sure what better on gas means when the Marine Corp uses millions of gallons a day but hey whatever props your ship up right. I assume you are talking about the CH-53K and not the Transformer?! Lots of changes in it, a lot more horsies for better cost and god willing less maint. http://intercepts.defensenews.com/2014/05/sikorskys-king-stallion-rollout-come-to-the-ch-53k-party/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
NavyMech06 Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 Yes the Navy still operates HM-14 and HM-15 out of Norfolk, though the MH-53 is having serious reliability issues at the moment. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GreyGhost Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 Welcome Aboard ARC, NavyMechO6! Glad to have you here. -Gregg Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TaiidanTomcat Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 Yes the Navy still operates HM-14 and HM-15 out of Norfolk, though the MH-53 is having serious reliability issues at the moment. Sorry to hear that. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
11bee Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 Yes the Navy still operates HM-14 and HM-15 out of Norfolk, though the MH-53 is having serious reliability issues at the moment. Wasn't there like only 1-2 airframes flying a month or so ago? Forgot what the problem was but it sounded pretty bad. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
NavyMech06 Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 I'm not entirely sure how many they are operating right now, I think the fleet of 53's were red striped a while back but I haven't heard anything since. I had a buddy I went to high school with go down in one off the coast here in Virginia back in 2005(I think). Crew survived, main gear box failed so they lost the rotor brake. he said it sucked because they had to wait for the 90 foot rotor to stop spinning to get out, while they were sinking. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
11bee Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 I'm not entirely sure how many they are operating right now, I think the fleet of 53's were red striped a while back but I haven't heard anything since. I had a buddy I went to high school with go down in one off the coast here in Virginia back in 2005(I think). Crew survived, main gear box failed so they lost the rotor brake. he said it sucked because they had to wait for the 90 foot rotor to stop spinning to get out, while they were sinking. Did a quick Google search, found this: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/investigations/sea-dragon-down-human-cost-navys-most-crash-prone-chopper-n281636 Pretty grim, don't think I'd ever want to fly in one of these things. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
11bee Posted May 28, 2015 Share Posted May 28, 2015 Semi-related, the Navy is purchasing retired Japanese MH-53's as a source of spares to (hopefully) improve the reliability of it's own fleet. http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/05/28/us-navy-buys-old-helicopters-from-japan-for-spare-parts.html?comp=7000023317843&rank=3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tank Posted May 29, 2015 Share Posted May 29, 2015 A 53 ride was better then a 46 ride, YMMV. Outside the larger fuel tanks and mission, what is different between the Navy and Marine bird? We retired the D's a few years back and last I recall have a number of E's, the supply chain could be used, no? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TaiidanTomcat Posted May 29, 2015 Share Posted May 29, 2015 All the 53s are just used up with the GWoT. It's also why the presidenial unit no longer flies 53s and went to the osprey. I was told in 2007 there were none left in the boneyard, all having been pulled for parts or restoration. Never really checked into it though... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tank Posted May 29, 2015 Share Posted May 29, 2015 I recall them pulling out two or three low hour D's but again I thought we retired that whole D fleet. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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