MH-53J
Pave Low
Specifications
Manufacturer:
First Flight:
Main Rotor Dia.:
Length:
Height:
Weight:
Max Speed:
Cruising Speed:
Range:
Ceiling:
Power Plant:
Crew:
Capacity:
Armament:
Avionics:
Sikorsky Aircraft
July 01, 1980 (HH53H Pave Low
deployment)
72 ft. 3 in.
88 ft.
25 ft.
32,000 lbs.(Empty),
50,000 lbs.(Max. takeoff)
196 mph
173 mph
600 naut. miles – extendable by in-flight
refueling
16,000 ft.
2 × T64-GE-100 turboshaft, 4,330 shp
each
6 - 2 pilots, 2 flight engineers, 2 aerial
gunners
37 troops (55 in alternate configuration)
Any combination of three 7.62 mm M134
Miniguns and/or .50 cal.BMG M2
Browning machine guns mounted on
left and right sides.
AAR-47 Missile Warning System
Inertial GPS navigation
Doppler navigation systems
APQ-158 terrain-following & terrain-
avoidance radar
AN/AAQ-18 forward-looking infrared
APR-39 Radar Hazard Warning Set
ALE-39 Chaff and Flare Dispenser
ALQ-157 Infrared Jammer
Secure radio communications
The Sikorsky MH-53 Pave Low series is a long-range combat search and rescue helicopter for the United States Air Force. The series was upgraded from the HH-53B/C, variants of the Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion. The US Air Force ordered HH-53B and HH-53C variants for Search and Rescue units, and developed the MH-53J Pave Low version for Special Operations missions.
The MH-53J Pave Low III helicopter was the largest, most powerful and technologically advanced transport helicopter in the US Air Force inventory. Under the Pave Low III program, the Air Force modified nine MH-53Hs and 32 HH-53s for night and adverse weather operations. Modifications included AN/AAQ-18 forward-looking infrared, inertial navigation system, global positioning system, Doppler navigation systems, APQ-158 terrain-following and terrain-avoidance radar, an on-board mission computer, enhanced navigation system, and integrated avionics to enable precise navigation to and from target areas.
The MH-53J's main mission was to drop off, supply, and pick up special forces behind enemy lines. It could also engage in combat search and rescue missions. Low-level penetration was made possible by a state-of-the-art terrain following radar, as well as infrared sensors that allow the helicopter to operate in bad weather. It was equipped with armor plating. It could transport 38 troops at a time and sling up to 20,000 lbs. of cargo with its external hook.
The MH-53M Pave Low IV was modified from the MH-53J configuration with the addition of Interactive Defensive Avionics System/Multi-Mission Advanced Tactical Terminal or IDAS/MATT. The system enhanced the defensive capabilities of the Pave Low. It provided instant access to the total battlefield situation, through near real-time Electronic Order of Battle updates. It also provided a new level of detection avoidance with near real-time threat broadcasts over-the-horizon, so crews could avoid and defeat threats, and replan en route if necessary. (Courtesy: Wikipedia)
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