First flown in the Vietnam war as the HH-53 Jolly Green, the MH-53 airframe and avionics have been continuously upgraded to expand it's capabilities and operational envelope.
The Pave Low helicopter started out as a Navy design (Sea Dragon) that the Air Force has rebuilt to perform deep penetration missions in heavily defended airspace during night, behind enemy lines and in adverse weather conditions.
To give the Pave Low these abilities extensive upgrades were performed on the avionics and communications gear.
Range was extended with the addition of external fuel tanks and an in-flight refueling probe.
In order to increase crew and passenger survivability extensive armor covering vital areas of the aircraft (totalling over 1,000 pounds) has been fitted.
The MH-53M Pave Low IV is a J-model that has been modified with the Interactive Defensive Avionics System/Multi-Mission Advanced Tactical Terminal or IDAS/MATT.
The MH-53J is also equipped with radar-warning receivers as well as chaff and flare launchers to help defend the aircraft from enemy missiles. Additionally, the Pave Low can be armed with up to three 7.62 Miniguns or .50 cal machine guns for surpressive fire.
The MH-53J flew numerous missions in Panama during Operation Just Cause in 1989, inserting and transporting special operations forces. In 1990, the aircraft were used during Operation Desert Storm. Pave Lows were the first aircraft in Iraq, leading the Army AH-64 Apaches in destroying Iraqi early warning radar to open a hole in enemy air defenses for the opening air armada. In addition to infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special forces teams throughout Iraq and Kuwait, the Pave Low provided search and rescue coverage for coalition air forces in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Turkey and the Persian Gulf.
The Pave Low has the capacity to carry up to 38 troops or 14 litters, and can sling up to 20,000 lbs (9,000kg) with it's external cargo hook. It can reach top speeds of 165MPH (264Kph) and altitudes of up to 16,000 feet. Although the maximum range of the Pave Low is 630 Miles, it can fly virtually indefinitely with in-flight refueling.
The terrain-following and terrain-avoidance radar, forward-looking infrared sensor, inertial navigation system with global positioning system, along with a projected map display enable the crew to follow terrain contours and avoid obstacles, making low-level penetration behind enemy lines possible.
| Manufacturer: | Sikorsky Aircraft | Main rotor diameter: | 72 feet (21.9 meters) | Length: | 88 feet (28 meters) (!!!) | Height: | 25 feet (7.6 meters) | Maximum take off weight: | 42,000 pounds | Engines: | Two General Electric T64-GE/-100 engines | Power: | 4,330 shaft horsepower per engine | Endurance on internal fuel: | 630 statute miles (548 nautical miles) | Maximum Cruise Speed at sea level: | 165 mph | Service ceiling: | 16,000 feet (4,876 meters) | Unit Costs: | $40 million |
MH-53 Pave Low Videos | 29 Videos Available!
First 5 videos, click to go to the MH-53 Pave Low video gallery:
This page was last updated on: 2006-02-01
