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Information > Heritage > History Aircraft
MH-53J/M Pave Low
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KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- A 58th Special Operations Wing, 551st Special Operations Squadron, MH-53J Pave Low IIIE flies a training mission. The MH-53J's mission is to perform low-level, long-range, undetected penetration into denied areas, day or night, in adverse weather, for infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces. The MH-53J Pave Low III heavy-lift helicopter is the largest and most powerful helicopter in the Air Force inventory, and the most technologically advanced helicopter in the world. Its terrain-following, terrain-avoidance radar and forward-looking infrared sensor, along with a projected map display, enable the crew to follow terrain contours and avoid obstacles, making low-level penetration possible. (U.S. Air Force photo)
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The Pave Low's mission is low-level, long-range, undetected penetration into denied areas, day or night, in adverse weather, for infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces.
The MH-53J Pave Low III heavy-lift helicopter is the largest and most powerful helicopter in the Air Force inventory. 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 possible.
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 system enhances present defensive capabilities of the Pave Low. It provides instant access to the total battlefield situation, through near real-time Electronic Order of Battle updates. It also provides a new level of detection avoidance with near real-time threat broadcasts over-the-horizon, so crews can avoid and defeat threats, and replan en route if needed.
Under the Pave Low III program, the Air Force modified nine MH-53H's and 32 HH-53s for night and adverse weather operations. Modifications included forward-looking infrared, inertial global positioning system, Doppler navigation systems, terrain-following and terrain-avoidance radar, an on-board computer, and integrated avionics to enable precise navigation to and from target areas. The Air Force designated these modified versions as MH-53J's.
General Characteristics:
Primary function: infiltration and exfiltration of special forces
Builder: Sikorsky
Engines: Two General Electric T64-GE/-100 engines
Thrust: 4,330 shaft horsepower per engine
Length: 88 feet
Height: 25 feet
Rotary diameter: 72 feet
Speed: 165 mph (at sea level)
Ceiling: 16,000 feet
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 46,000 pounds (Emergency War Plan allows for 50,000 pounds)
Range: 600 nautical miles (unlimited with aerial refueling)
Armament: Combination of three 7.62 mini guns or three .50 caliber machine guns
Crew: Officers, two pilots; enlisted, two flight engineers and two aerial gunners
Date deployed: 1981
Sources compiled from Air Force News Agency.
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