Brief History

The CH-53E Super Stallion is designed for the transportation of equipment, supplies and personnel. Capable of both internal and external transport of supplies, the CH-53E is shipboard compatible and capable of operation in adverse weather conditions both day and night.

Standing at 28 feet in height and just over 99 feet long the 53E will carry 37 passengers in its normal configuration and 55 passengers with centerline seats installed, and capable of lifting 7 tons

The triple engine Stallion was introduced to the Marine Corps in 1981 and is the most powerful helicopter in the U.S. military inventory. Today the Super Stallions still play a major role in Iraq, moving supplies and ammunition to the most forward Marine units and also assisting in moving casualties back to the rear.

Eduard's set

Academy/MRC released their CH-53E Super Stallion in early spring 2006 and Eduard have produced an excellent set of super detailed-colorful photo etch. Packaged in their familiar resealable clear plastic pouch, the frets are protected by a piece of cardboard that keeps them safe from bending and meshing with each other.

Starting off following the instruction sheet, you get two (2) ring plates, one medium, one small. Both are placed were they wont be seen from any advantage. And that is it for the detail for the massive rotor head. I was surprised to see that Eduard missed out on the detail, in the past they provided some great pieces like those found in their Black Hawk set.

Eduard also provided front and rear replacements for the EAPS (Engine Air Particle Separators) system. Here you’ll have to sand down the raised detail from the kit parts. The fronts will have to be shaped, this can be achieved by forming them over the kits part.

For the sponsons wheel wells, there are three pieces, two which will have to be shaped that go into the wheel well bays. It’s a nice added detail, again look for reference to further the detail by adding in hydraulic lines and such.

Also provided are screen vents that are placed through out the aircraft, the biggest set are for the tail section. There is no surgery or sanding involved installing them, they are placed over the kit section. For the advanced modeler the screens can be cut from the kit. But the screens openings will show a empty tail section. One will have to find reference and scratch build in the tails gear boxes and shafts.

Beyond that Eduard threw in many of the smaller detail that can be found around the aircraft, and replacement antennas for the thick kit parts. A few hinges, latches and grab handles round out the Photo Etch set.

Conclusion

Other than the shortcoming of the rotor head detail, and who knows maybe Eduard will have a future release for this section, this is a wonderful set. Most if not all pieces will stand out, they will pick up where Academy left out along the fuselage. Eduard also released a interior set, item no.# 49 364 and cargo seatbelts, item no.# 49 026, but for those who don’t care to detail the interior I do recommend this set highly as it will enhance and highlight the missing detail throughout the fuselage.