MH-53E?

Do the HM-14 markings.I spent 2.5 yrs as a member of HM-14 as an aircrew member when we deployed RH-53Ds,2 external drop tanks smaller sponsons and 6 main blades.They are the same size as MH-53Es.The MK105 sled was used to mimic the magnetic signiture of a ship for magnitic mines.

Actually, not to nerd out, the Sled is not deployed in side the MH.  The Mk-105 is a towed sled that uses magnetic tails to form a loop to set up magnetic mines, and weighs 10K lbs.  The sonar is a deployable unit inside the aircraft that is lowered and deployed and drug through the water at certain depths to map the floor and search for bottom mines or mine like objects.  Other aircraft (the MH-60S) was tested to do the mission but proved unable.  The sled is still operable, however the main device of choice is the side scan sonar.  Other devises are streamed from the aircraft to search for acoustic mines as well as mored mines.  The description of the mirrors is correct....they are used to keep the device at the 6 o'clock postion to maintain track to and to keep from injuring crewman.

Pawel

Hello!

From what I heard the MH-53E is different from the CH. Note the enlarged fuel tanks on the fuselage sides. The MH is a special version converted for minesweeping. Among other changes that's what those funny rear view mirrors under the front fuselage are for.

Good luck with your build and have a nice day

Paweł

 

Those funny rear view mirrors are for observing the sonar sled.  The purpose of the CH-53E is for use as a cargo and assault helicopter for the Marine Corps.  The Navy's MH-53E was intended for mine-sweeping operations.  The MH's were equipped with a sonar sled which it could carry in it's cabin.  It would deploy the sled and pull it through the water to detect mines or submarines.  

The large sonar sleds were rendered obsolite by modern electronics.  The miniturization of electronics allows the task to be accomplished by smaller aircraft without the sled.  53's are expensive aircraft to maintain, so other platforms are economical. 

The most notable difference in the two aircraft are the size and shape of the sponsons.  The second is the rear view mirrors for the sonar sled.  The other differences are internal.  The CH-53E has three hydraulic systems, while the MH-53E has 4.  The fourth is called "Utility 2," and it's used for the deployment of the sonar sled.  The US Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force operate the MH's, and only the US Marine Corps operate CH-53E's.     

I should add that the US Air Force's MH-53J's and MH-53M's were completely different animals.  They were upgraded B and C models with 2 engines and 6 main rotor blades.  The Air Force's MH's are solely for Special Forces Operations.  

I look forward to seeing your MH-53E come together.  

Pawel

Hello!

From what I heard the MH-53E is different from the CH. Note the enlarged fuel tanks on the fuselage sides. The MH is a special version converted for minesweeping. Among other changes that's what those funny rear view mirrors under the front fuselage are for.

Good luck with your build and have a nice day

Paweł

 

thank you 

Rick

Hello!

From what I heard the MH-53E is different from the CH. Note the enlarged fuel tanks on the fuselage sides. The MH is a special version converted for minesweeping. Among other changes that's what those funny rear view mirrors under the front fuselage are for.

Good luck with your build and have a nice day

Paweł