CH-46 Sea Knight vs CH-53 Sea Stallion

American medium-lift tandem rotor helicopter, notably deployed in Vietnam and Iraq, used for troop transportation and search and rescue operations.
Picture of CH-46 Sea Knight
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Boeing/Vertol
First flight 22 April 1958
Year introduced 1964
Number produced 524 units
Average unit price $14 million
American heavy-lift helicopter, noteworthy for its service in the Vietnam and Gulf Wars, principally deployed for transport duties.
Picture of CH-53 Sea Stallion
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Sikorsky
First flight 14 October 1964
Year introduced 1966
Number produced 284 units
Average unit price $40 million
Wingspan 16.0 m â—‰
Height 5.1 m â—‰
Length 13.9 m â—‰
Maximum speed 266 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,020 km â—‰
Service ceiling 4,267 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 11,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 7,047 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 1,400 kW â—‰
Profile drawing of Boeing/Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight
Wingspan 24.1 m â—‰
Height 8.5 m â—‰
Length 30.2 m â—‰
Maximum speed 315 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,000 km â—‰
Service ceiling 5,639 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 33,300 kg â—‰
Empty weight 15,071 kg â—‰
Total thrust 3 x 3,270 kW â—‰
Profile drawing of Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the CH-46 Sea Knight or CH-53 Sea Stallion?
The CH-53 Sea Stallion is faster with a maximum speed of 315 km/h compared to the CH-46 Sea Knight's 266 km/h, a difference of 49 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CH-46 Sea Knight or CH-53 Sea Stallion?
The CH-46 Sea Knight has a longer range at 1,020 km compared to the CH-53 Sea Stallion's 1,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the CH-46 Sea Knight or CH-53 Sea Stallion?
The CH-53 Sea Stallion has a higher service ceiling at 5,639 meters (18,500 ft) compared to the CH-46 Sea Knight's 4,267 meters (13,999 ft).
Which is heavier, the CH-46 Sea Knight or CH-53 Sea Stallion?
The CH-53 Sea Stallion has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 33,300 kg compared to the CH-46 Sea Knight's 11,000 kg.
Which is larger, the CH-46 Sea Knight or CH-53 Sea Stallion?
The CH-53 Sea Stallion is longer at 30.2 meters compared to the CH-46 Sea Knight's 13.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the CH-46 Sea Knight or CH-53 Sea Stallion?
The CH-53 Sea Stallion is more expensive at approximately $40 million per unit compared to the CH-46 Sea Knight at $14 million.
Which entered service first, the CH-46 Sea Knight or CH-53 Sea Stallion?
The CH-46 Sea Knight entered service first in 1964, 2 years before the CH-53 Sea Stallion which entered service in 1966.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the CH-46 Sea Knight or CH-53 Sea Stallion?
The CH-46 Sea Knight has been produced in greater numbers with 524 units compared to 284 units of the CH-53 Sea Stallion.