MH-53 Pave Low
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| MH-53 Pave Low |
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| MH-53M In Iraq, Summer 2004 | |
| Type | Heavy-lift helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Sikorsky Aircraft |
| Status | Active service |
| Primary user | United States Air Force |
| Developed from | CH-53 Sea Stallion |
The MH-53 Pave Low is a USAF version of the CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter. 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.
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[edit] Features
The MH-53J PAVE LOW III heavy-lift helicopter is the largest, most powerful and technologically advanced transport helicopter in the US 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.
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.
The MH-53J PAVE LOW's main mission is to drop off, supply, and pick up special forces who are behind enemy lines. It also can engage in combat search and rescue missions. Low-level penetration is made possible by a state-of-the-art terrain following radar, as well as infrared sensors that allow the helicopter to operate in bad weather.
This helicopter is equipped with armor plating. It can transport 38 troops at a time and sling up to 20,000 pounds of cargo with its external hook. It reaches top speeds of 165 mph and altitudes up to 16,000 feet.
The MH-53M PAVE LOW IV is a MH-53 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.
The PAVE LOW is expected to retire in October 2008.
[edit] Specifications (MH-53J)
This aircraft article is missing some (or all) of its specifications. If you have a source, you can help Wikipedia by adding them.General characteristics
- Crew: Officers: two Pilots; Enlisted: two Flight Engineers and two Aerial Gunners
- Capacity: approx. 38 troops
- Unit flyaway cost: US$40 million (fiscal 2001 constant dollars)
- Air Force inventory:
- Active force, 11 MH-53J's, 21 MH-53M's
- Reserve, 0
- ANG, 0
- Length: 88 ft (28 m)
- Rotor diameter: 72 ft (21.9 m)
- Height: 25 ft (7.6 m)
- Empty weight: 32,000 lbs (14,515 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 46,000 lbs (50,000 in war time) (21,000 kg)
- Powerplant: 2× General Electric T64-GE-100 turboshafts, 4,330 shp (3,230 kW) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 165 mph (265 km/h) at sea level
- Range: 600 nm (1,100 km) ; Unlimited with aerial refueling
- Service ceiling: 16,000 ft (4,900 m)
Armament
- Any combination of three 7.62 mm mini guns or .50 caliber (12.7 mm) machine guns mounted on left and right sides (immediately behind flight deck) and ramp
[edit] Media
The Pave Low will make its appearance in an upcoming live-action Transformers movie as the Decepticon Blackout.
The Pave Low had a primary role in the Tom Clancy book Clear and Present Danger
The Pave Low appeared in the James Bond movie Tomorrow Never Dies
A Pave Low was sent to retrieve Clint Eastwood's character from retirement in the beginning of the movie Firefox.
Four Pave Lows were used in the West Wing Episode 1-22 'What Kind of Day It Has Been' to rescue a downed F-117 Nighthawk pilot from Iraq.
[edit] References
This article contains information that originally came from a US Government website, in the public domain. USAF Website
[edit] External links
[edit] Related content
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Comparable aircraft
Designation sequence
- U.S. Military:
- Sikorsky:
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- List of active military aircraft of the United States
- List of helicopters
- List of military aircraft of the United States
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