Mission

Features

The MH-53J Pave Low III heavy-lift helicopter is the largest, most powerful and technologically advanced 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.

History

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.

Following the Gulf War, MH-53 units supported operations Provide Comfort and Southern Watch. During July 1992, these units began participation in operations Provide Promise and Deny Flight, the humanitarian relief effort and no-fly zone security in the Balkans.

In 1997, the MH-53J provided continuous airlift for Americans evacuating Zaire. Also that year, MH-53J's were diverted from Italy to provide airlift for non-combatant Americans in Albania. The MH-53J's returned to Saudi Arabia in 1998 to support the buildup of U.S. forces to convince Iraq to comply with U.N. weapons inspections.

During the past 12 years, Pave Low III aircrews have garnered numerous awards for their efforts. In 1991, a Pave Low crew rescued a downed Navy F-14 pilot in Iraq and earned the Mackay Trophy, which is presented annually for the most meritorious flight of the year. In 1993, another Pave Low III crew earned the Cheney Award for evacuating a French soldier from a U.N. compound in Iraq to a medical facility in Turkey. The Cheney Award recognizes an act of valor, extreme fortitude or self-sacrifice in a humanitarian interest during aerial flight.

In 1995, a MH-53J crew attempted to rescue two French pilots shot down by a Serbian missile in Yugoslavia, earning the Cheney Award. In 1996, another MH-53J crew earned the award for helping to recover former Department of Commerce Secretary Ron Brown's CT-43 that crashed in Croatia, and for helping to evacuate some 2,100 people from a civil war in Liberia. The Liberia mission earned a third MH-53 crew the Lt. Gen. William H. Tunner Award for the most outstanding strategic airlift mission of 1996.

During Operation Allied Force, Pave Low crews maintained a constant alert posture. MH-53 crews played an intricate role during the air war over Serbia leading rescue forces to retrieve downed F-117 and F-16 pilots. Two Pave Low crew members earned the Silver Star, and nine others earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for their efforts during the rescue missions.

The MH-53 Pave Low was deeply involved in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Pave Lows were on scene supporting local and government forces within six hours. Immediately afterwards they were quickly deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Pave Low crews flew more than 1,000 hours in combat operations against Taliban and Al-Qaeda forces.

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Long-range infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces in day, night or marginal weather conditions
Builder: Sikorsky
Power Plant: Two General Electric T64-GE/-100 engines
Thrust: 4,330 shaft horsepower per engine
Length: 88 feet (28 meters)
Height: 25 feet (7.6 meters)
Rotary Diameter: 72 feet (21.9 meters)
Speed: 165 mph (at sea level)
Ceiling: 16,000 feet (4,876 meters)
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
Unit Flyaway Costs: $40 million (fiscal 2001 constant dollars)
Inventory: Active force, 13 MH-53J's, 25 MH-53M's; Reserve, 0; ANG, 0

Point of Contact

Air Force Special Operations Command, Public Affairs Office; 100 Bartley Street; Hurlburt Field, FL 32544-5273; DSN 579-5515 or (904) 884-5515.

March 2003