IAF Sea Stallions crack a half century of service
The Israel Air Force is marking 50 years of CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter operations.
Designated ‘Yas'ur’ in Israeli service, the Sea Stallion entered service with the IAF on 26 October 1969 with the 114th (Night Leaders) Squadron. Today the fleet is operated by the 114th and 118th Squadrons for a range of roles including heavy lift transportation and combat troop insertion/extraction.
The platform has been upgraded several times over the years but the helicopter's chassis remains unchanged. Upgrades and replacements of engines, rotor blades and onboard systems have all been carried out.
Maintaining the 50 year old aircraft presents a challenge, due to lack of available spare parts. And as the airframe has passed the manufacturer’s 10,000 flight hour limit, new modes of inspection are frequently introduced to ensure the aircraft remain fit for purpose.
Talks are currently being held regarding replacements for the helicopter, but a decision has yet to have been made.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Helicopter
-
Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine
Germany has committed to sending Ukraine six of its 21 retiring WS-61 Westland Sea King multirole, amphibious helicopters.
-
Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook
Boeing has clinched a major contract modification to further its backing of the US Special Operations Command’s MH-47G Chinook aircraft modernisation effort.
-
Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut
Two KAI helicopters, the KUH-1E utility helicopter and the Light Attack Helicopter (LAH), have taken centre stage at the Dubai Airshow 2023.
-
Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter
The Italian Navy now boasts a fleet of 56 NH90 helicopters comprising 46 SH-90As and 10 MH-90As.
-
Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters
The Argentinian Air Force (FAA) and the Argentinian Naval Aviation Command (COAN) are looking for options to upgrade their helicopter fleets.
-
DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest
Lockheed Martin promises a boost to the British job market and export opportunities, while strengthening ties with Poland and positioning the UK for a future in rotorcraft technology in the event of a New Medium Helicopter competition triumph.