MH-53 Pave Low
MH-53 Pave Low

The MH-53 Pave Low is a USAF helicopter, a version of the CH-53 Super Stallion.

Mission: 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.

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.

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 (3.2 MW) per engine

Length: 88 ft (28 m)

Height: 25 ft (7.6 m)

Rotary Diameter: 72 ft (21.9 m)

Speed: 165 mph (265 km/h) at sea level

Ceiling: 16,000 ft (4,900 m)

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 46,000 pounds (21,000 kg), Emergency War Plan allows for 50,000 pounds (23,000 kg)

Range: 600 nautical miles (1,100 km), unlimited with aerial refueling

Armament: Combination of three 7.62 mini guns or three .50 caliber (~12.7 mm) 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)

Air Force Inventory: Active force, 11 MH-53J's, 21 MH-53M's; Reserve, 0; ANG, 0

Source:
This article contains information that originally came from a US Government website, in the public domain. [USAF Website]