Capacity: up to 5 total people[b] / 20,000 lb (9,100 kg) payload
Which still is less than the Chinook. Its large dual rotors make it by far the best option 90% of the time. A few Russian designs similar to the S-64 can lift more but they are huge monster single rotor deals that frankly are a little lacking in other areas like fuel, range, etc.
Like you I used to think helicopters were these amazing things that could lift mountains. When you really look at the numbers you suddenly realize your average F-350 truck can haul more further than most helos.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikorsky_CH-53_Sea_Stallion#Specifications_(CH-53D)
Capacity: 38 troops (55 in alternate configuration) or 24 stretchers / 8,000 lb (3,600 kg) payload
Not even close. You sure you aren't thinking about this...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikorsky_S-64_Skycrane#Specifications_(S-64E)
Capacity: up to 5 total people[b] / 20,000 lb (9,100 kg) payload
Which still is less than the Chinook. Its large dual rotors make it by far the best option 90% of the time. A few Russian designs similar to the S-64 can lift more but they are huge monster single rotor deals that frankly are a little lacking in other areas like fuel, range, etc.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mil_Mi-10#World_records
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mil_Mi-26#Specifications_(Mi-26)
Like you I used to think helicopters were these amazing things that could lift mountains. When you really look at the numbers you suddenly realize your average F-350 truck can haul more further than most helos.
My bad. Apparently the E model is a beast.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikorsky_CH-53E_Super_Stallion#Specifications_(CH-53E)
External payload: 36,000 lb (16,329 kg)
Still that is nowhere near enough to unload thousands of containers... some of which will weigh 50,000 lbs.