The "D"
version from the Sea Stallion is adapted for mine sweeping operations in shallow
and coastal waters. They
were equipped with more powerful turbine engines to be able to perform safely
while towing the sweeping system through the water. Mines
are weapons to (temporarily) deny the enemy access to its own vital waterways
and harbors. Normally, mines are being swept by special equipped small
naval vessels. These vessels are working mainly in small groups together. They
are progressing slow, but very accurate. To avoid the long process of
sweeping a waterway, the US Navy created the SPU-1 system. It is a kind of
platform, floating on water skis. Through a long cable, the platform is
connected to the helicopter. After connecting the system, the helicopter
will slowly tighten the cable and then put the turbines into full gear.
When speed is picking up, the SPU-1 system will raise out of the water and
finally rest on its water skis. The system can handle acoustic, contact
and magnetic mines. If working correctly during the mine sweeping, the mines
will surface and will be destroyed by machinegun fire. The described
system dates out of the Vietnam and Desert Storm era. It gave the Navy a
rapid and safe excess in those waterways. Another advantage was that it could be
repeated quite easily. They were powered by two General Electric turbine
engines generating 4380 HP per engine. Maximum take off weight was 23000
kilo and according to my information, fifteen helicopters have been operational.
The 53D is no longer in the US-Navy inventory. It is replaced by the MH-53 Super
Stallion.
Click on
images below to see larger images
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DIORAMA
The RH-53D has been
brought from the hangar deck to the flight deck of a US Navy carrier. Technical
personnel are preparing the mighty beast for another operational task. The rotor
blades and tail rotor are still folded. The mule (tow tractor) that towed the
helicopter to its spot on the deck is still waiting for further orders.
Notice the extended
mirrors that gave the flight crew a good rear view of the towing system. There
is also a extended in-flight refueling probe to extend operations.
The kit was
constructed straight from the box and was a great pleasure, with no problems
what so ever. It is a shame that Fujimi kits are so hard to acquire in Europe.
The flight deck is
from Verlinden and the mule is from the Fujimi flight deck crew.
Xtra colour engine
gray was used for the overall fuselage.
Decals, Superscale
72-444
Digital Pictures
were taken with a Ricoh Caplio G4 Wide.
Derek
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