Air Force Mission

     The MH-53Js mission is to perform low-level, long-range, 
undetected penetration into denied areas, day or night, under adverse 
weather, for infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special 
operations forces.

Features

     The MH-53J Pave Low III "Enhanced"  heavy-lift helicopter is 
the largest and most powerful helicopter in the Air Force inventory.  
It is the most technologically advanced helicopter in the world. Its 
terrain-following and terrain-avoidance radar, and forward-looking 
infrared radar enable the pilot to follow terrain contours and avoid 
obstacles, making low-level penetration possible in adverse weather 
conditions.
     Equipped with armor plating, and a combination of three 7.62mm 
miniguns and .50 caliber machine guns, the helicopter can transport 
37 troops or 16 litters. Its external cargo hook has a 20,000-pound 
(9,000- kilogram) capacity.
     The MH-53J has twin turbo-shaft engines; self-lubricating, 
titanium main and aluminum tail rotors; and a large horizontal 
stabilizer on the tail rotor pylons right side.

Background

     The MH-53J is a modified version of the HH-53 Super Jolly 
Green Giant helicopter that was extensively used during the Vietnam 
War and as the primary astronaut recovery vehicle. Under the Air 
Forces Pave Low IIIE program, 41 MH-53H's and HH-53s were 
modified for night and adverse weather operations and, then, 
designated MH-53Js.
     MH-53J's were used in a variety of missions during Desert Storm.  
Pave Lows were among the first aircraft into Iraq when they led 
Army AH-64 Apache helicopters  to destroy Iraqi early warning 
radars, and opened 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, Pave Lows 
provided search and rescue coverage for coalition Air Forces in Iraq, 
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Turkey, and the Persian Gulf.  An MH-53J 
made the first successful combat recovery of a downed pilot in Desert 
Storm.  Following the war, MH-53Js deployed to Northern Iraq to 
support Operation Provide Comfort and provide assistance to 
displaced Kurds. Pave Lows were also used extensively during 
Operation Just Cause in Panama.

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Special operations forces long-range delivery and 
resupply under adverse weather conditions.
Contractor: Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
Power Plant: Two General Electric T64-GE/-100 engines.
Thrust: 4,339 shaft horsepower per engine.
Length: 92 feet (27.88 meters).
Height: 25 feet (7.58 meters).
Rotary Diameter: 72 feet (21.88 meters).
Speed: 195 mph (312 kph).
Ceiling: 16,000 feet (4,849 meters).
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 42,000 pounds (18,900 kilograms).
Range: 630 statute miles (548 nautical miles); unlimited with air 
refueling.
Armament: Any combination of three 7.62 miniguns and .50 caliber 
machine guns.
Unit cost: $34 million.
Crew: Two officers (pilots); four enlisted men (two flight engineers, 
two aerial gunners).
Date Deployed: 1981.
Inventory: Active force, 41; ANG, 0; Reserve, 0. 

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