VFW CH-53G —

Steve....

So far my favorite pic of the week.

Nice rotor action.

Thanks Ken.

Very nice, especially since I LOVE helos.

From the strutted stabilizer to the third engine reminds me that these beasts need 12 hours of maintenance for every flight hour. GREAT image Steve!

A face only a Mother could love . . .

My hat's off to the folks who fly (and maintain) something this 'complicated'.

I'm always amazed that it really flies!! Truly awesome!

Man, look at the size of the swash plate on this Super Stallion!

Ho Ho Ho, in jungle camo 50 Yrs ago that would be the Jolly Green Giant.

Nice shot Steve, interested in when it was taken though.
As it was taken at Rocky I'm pretty certain that it wasn't a German Army machine (especially as their aircraft are painted in a camouflage scheme), in which case it wasn't a CH-53G but correct me if I'm wrong. I was at first wondering if it was in fact a CH-53K King Stallion (the latest CH-53 iteration), but no, as apart from anything else the engine intakes and side rear windows give it away as being an old USMC CH-53E Super Stallion. It would be interesting, (for me anyway) to know the full code and Serial number of this beauty and the date the photo was taken also.

It's sooo good!

Alan McDonald, it was taken during Exercise Talisman Sabre which is held every two years involving US and Australian militaries. Sometimes it includes others too like the Kiwis and the Japanese. This is a USMC Stallion. I don't remember which ship it and the other Stallion came from. They were impressive machines and it was just luck that I there when it arrived.

Thanks for your reply Steve. I was up at Rocky for a few days for Talisman Sabre '97. One of the best places to visit for things like that as you can get so close to the action.
For completeness and interest your photo subject is CH-53E Super Stallion 161994 coded YN-20 of Squadron HMH-361 USMC. Incidentally the other CH-53E that day was sister ship 161993 coded YN-19. Thanks for giving me a bit of research to do.