At 73 feet in length, the “Jolly Green Giant,” as it is lovingly known, is one of the largest helicopters employed by the U.S. military.
The CH-3E was manufactured in 1966 and equipped to carry either twenty-five, fully-equipped troops, fifteen patients on stretchers or 5,000 pounds of cargo for use during the Vietnam War. Many CH-3E aircraft were later converted to the HH-3E, a titanium-armored version for combat rescue of downed pilots, dubbed the “Jolly Green Giant.”
Serial Number: 65-12790
Manufacturer: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Crew: Three
Engines: Two General Electric T58-GE-5 turboshaft engines; 1,500 horsepower each
Wingspan: 62 feet
Length: 73 feet
Height: 18 feet 1 inch
Weight: 13,255 pounds (empty); 22,050 pounds (maximum)
Speed: 154 mph (cruising); 177 mph (maximum)
Range: 779 miles with external fuel tanks
Service Ceiling: 21,000 feet
Armament: Provisions for two .50-caliber machine guns
Cost: $796,000 (approximate)
In 1973, CH-3E helicopters were assigned to Hill Air Force Base to train all United States Air Force (USAF) combat helicopter crews. In the late 1970s, two helicopter simulators were used by Hill Air Force Base to train over 2,000 US and foreign students in flying proficiency for the Jolly Green Giant and Super Jolly helicopters. The CH-3E on display was manufactured in 1966 and served in Southeast Asia. In 1976, it was transferred to Hill Air Force Base and fitted with a Mid-Air Recovery System to safely recover drones. In 1991, the aircraft was put on display at Hill Aerospace Museum.
At 73 feet in length, the “Jolly Green Giant,” as it is lovingly known, is one of the largest helicopters employed by the U.S. military.
The Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation makes both the civilian and military variants of the Sea King line of helicopters.
The Jolly Green Giant could carry 25 fully loaded troops or up to 5,000 pounds of cargo.
A new variant of the CH-3E, the CH-53E is the largest military helicopter in the U.S. military.