Aviation Naval Warfare Land Systems Small Arms By Flag By Year By Tag

Sikorsky HH-3E Jolly Green Giant

History

HH-3E "Jolly Green Giant" is a custom development of the original Sikorsky CH-3 transport helicopter. The HH-3E was designed for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations that required long-range, delay, and hover capabilities and emerged during the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War (1955-1975). Due to its "combat" SAR classification, the HH-3E is intentionally designed to provide additional protection for aircrews and systems when operating in theaters.

The HH-3E Jolly Green Giant is no longer in service with the United States Armed Forces.

The Sikorsky CH-3E "Sea King" production variant was selected for conversion to the CSAR role in a total of 50 airframes (the CH-3E is an offshoot of the Sikorsky S-61R production variant). The helicopters are equipped with a large rear powered ramp for easy access to the cargo compartment, self-sealing fuel tanks to deal with the threat of small arms fire, and armor to improve crew survivability. In addition, the CH-3E is equipped with self-defense weapons and a motorized lift that can lift downed pilots.

The fuselage is sealed to facilitate water landings. In-flight refueling is accomplished with a probe mounted on the lower right side of the fuselage. Overall, the airframe retains much of the general appearance and detailed layout of the CH-3E in its modified HH-3E form.

The Vietnam War certainly exemplified the bravery and sacrifice of the Jolly Green Giant crew as they received over 190 Silver Stars, 24 Air Force Crosses, and even the Medal of Honor. The HH-3E crew faced very distressing conditions in a typical day's worka bullet-scarred airframe, a missing windshield, and damaged rotor assemblies. It is not uncommon for a plane to rescue dozens of downed pilots in a war zone. One of the most famous is the "Jolly Green 22" on display at the National Museum of the U.S.

Air Force in Dayton, Ohio - a car that spent 32 months in the skies of Vietnam.

The service of the HH-3E did not end with the Vietnam War, as its special capabilities were put to good use during Operation Desert Storm during the 1991 Gulf War. Again, the system serves the pilots well and manages them to further cement the history of this excellent aircraft.

Its involvement in the Gulf War would mean the end of the HH-3E family, as the U.S. Air Force retired its fleet in late 1995, ending a turbulent era.

The U.S. Coast Guard used a similar Sikorsky salvage model called the HH-3F "Pelican". He also retired from active duty.

Italy and Tunisia are the two remaining military operators of the S-61R variant.