Italeri Mh-53 E Sea Dragon

The Italeri MH-53E Sea Dragon (HC-1065) focuses on the formidable mine-sweeping helicopter operated by specialist units of the U.S. Navy and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. Evolved from the CH-53, the MH-53E employs a three-engine configuration that delivers the power needed to carry heavy mine-sweeping equipment.

First introduced as the CH-53 in the sixties and widely used by the U.S. Marines and, in special rescue variants, by the U.S. Air Force, this family of helicopters is renowned for its lift capability and operational versatility. In mine-sweeping roles, the Sea Dragon tows dedicated systems mounted on a special hydrofoil that is lowered into the sea to detect mines.

Key Highlights

• Mine-sweeping helicopter used by specialist units of the U.S. Navy and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces
• Three-engine development of the twin-engine CH-53
• High power enables carriage of heavy mine-sweeping systems
• Systems mounted on a special hydrofoil and dropped into the sea to detect mines