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Sikorsky MH-53 (Pave Low)

History of Sikorsky MH-53 (Low Shop)

The MH-53 is a series of large transport helicopters used by the United States Air Force in special operations missions. The designation for the MH-53 is divided between the "M" for multi-mission and the "H" for helicopter.

The designation came after extensive modifications to existing HH-53 "Super Happy Green Giants" (or "Super Happy") operated by the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam. After the war, these HH-53s were fitted with numerous upgraded systems, new engines and new rotors - earning them a brand new designation through the "Pave Low" program, which enhanced the model's nighttime and severe weather capabilities.

These helicopters are designed for long-range, low-altitude flight to support ground-based special forcesusually behind enemy linesby stealth deployment, evacuation, and resupply as needed.

The MH-53 was operated by a crew of six, including two pilots (officers), two flight engineers and two crew gunners. Defensive suppression weapons can include 3 x 7.62mm miniguns or 3 x 12.7mm heavy caliber machine guns.

The MH-53 can record speeds of up to 165 miles per hour, a ceiling of up to 16,000 feet and a range of 690 miles. Power comes from two General Electric T64-GE-100 series turboshaft engines, each producing 4,330 horsepower and driving a six-blade main rotor and a four-blade tail rotor.

The MH-53J "Pave Low III" series is based on the modified MH-53H and HH-53 models for special forces insertion/resupply/extraction missions. Thirty-two HH-53 and nine MH-53H systems were selected for the Low Pave III conversion. Airborne systems include GPS, inertial navigation and forward looking infrared (FLIR), as well as the APQ-158 terrain tracking and avoidance radar. This enables the MH-53 to perform all-weather, low-light, low-altitude flight consistent with Special Forces operations.

Improved crew and system armor protection also welcomes the design.

The MH-53M "Pave Low IV" represents the final iteration of the Pave Low series. These systems are upgraded platforms for the MH-53J "Pave Low III" with enhanced defensive capabilities.

This primarily includes the implementation of the Interactive Defense Avionics System/Multi-Mission Advanced Tactical Terminal (IDAS/MATT). The Pave Low IV allows the MH-53 crew to understand the battle through a colorful digital map that is visible even with night vision goggles.

The map is updated via satellite link and displayed in near real-time (including threats) along the flight path. The MH-53M served in a special operations role in Operation Iraqi Freedom until 2008.

The MH-53 family was officially retired in 2008 at the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). From their days as HH-53s in the Vietnam War (a famous group of five of these planes took part in Operation Kingpin - the rescue of American prisoners of war from a Shanxi prison near Hanoi), these planes came with improved Forms served for decades.

Operation Desert Storm was also performed using this platform.

Specification

Basic

Year:

1981

Status:

Retired, out of service

Staff:

Production

[41 units]:

Sikorsky Aircraft - USA

Roles

- Traffic

- Special Forces

Dimensions

Length:

91.86 ft (28 m)

Width:

21.9m

Height:

7.6m

Weight

Curb Weight:

32,000 lbs (14,515 kg)

MTOW:

21,000 kg

(difference: +14.297lb)

Performance

2 x General Electric T64-GE-100 turboshaft engines, each producing 4,330 SHP, driving a 6-blade main rotor and a 4-blade tail rotor.

Performance

Maximum Speed:

196 mph (315 km/h; 170 knots)

Service Limit:

15,997 ft (4,876 m; 3.03 mi)

Maximum range:

690 miles (1,111 km; 600 nautical miles)

Armor

Typical: 3 x 7.62mm M134 Miniguns or 3 x 12.7mm Browning M2 Heavy Machine Guns (HMG), one on the left side of the hull, one on the right side of the hull, and one on the rear loading ramp. Two outboard porthole hardpoints reserved for external fuel storage.