Pave Low is actually an acronym for Precision Avionics Vectoring Equipment; in this case, used specifically for special operations and combat search and rescue missions.
Adapted from the HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant, the MH-53M is an all-weather helicopter equipped for any terrain. Airmen used it for combat search and rescue as well as special operations missions. These aircraft conducted long-range, low-level missions to insert, extract and resupply special operations forces. The HH-53 entered service in 1968 as the Super Jolly to supplement the H-3 Jolly Green Giant helicopter. However, following various upgrades that improved nighttime and inclement weather functionality, it was redesignated the MH-53 Pave Low. The US Air Force retired the MH-53 from service in 2008.
Hill Air Force Base has several historical mission connections to the Super Jolly. In the 1970s, Hill personnel used helicopter simulators to train over 2,000 United States military members and foreign students in flying proficiency for aircraft such as the Super Jolly. Hill personnel also used the Super Jolly to support military testing in Utah’s west desert for more than 15 years.
Sikorsky manufactured the MH-53M on display in 1971, and it served at several different bases, including Hurlburt Field, Florida, with the 16th Special Operations Wing, where the Air Force converted it into an MH-53M Pave Low IV. In 2008, the Hill Aerospace Museum acquired the aircraft for display.
The PAVE Low IV (Precision Avionics Vectoring Equipment) program was an aircraft update that brought infrared technology, navigation systems, and terrain-following radar to the original HH-53s. It made the MH-53 aircraft capable of operating day, night or in inclement weather. While the sound of the rotors is far from stealthy, the use of infrared and radar made it a powerful tool for secret rescue missions in Panama, Iraq, and Afghanistan from 1989 to the 2000s. The helicopter on display entered service during the Vietnam Conflict, but the advanced PAVE Low program is still in use today.
This aircraft is on loan from the U.S. Air Force Heritage Program.
Serial Number: 68-10369
Manufacturer: Sikorsky Aircraft
Primary Function: Combat Search and Rescue
Crew: Six (two pilots, two flight engineers, and two aerial gunners)
Engines: Two General Electric T64-GE-100 engines, 4,330 shaft hp each
Wingspan: Rotor Diameter: 72 ft
Length: 88 ft
Height: 25 ft
Weight: 46,000 lbs (emergency, maximum)
Speed: 165 mph
Range: 690 miles
Service Ceiling: 16,000 ft
Armament: Three 7.62mm mini-guns or three .50-caliber machine guns
Cost: $50,000,000
Years of Service: 1968 – 2008
The United States Air Force (USAF) used the Pave Low IV for special operations to enter enemy territory. These aircraft were capable of operating day, night or in bad weather. They conducted long-range, low-level missions to insert, extract and resupply special operations forces.
The MH-53 helicopters were originally HH-53 “Super Jolly Green Giants” and were used by the USAF in the Southeast Asia War. Through the years, the aircraft received upgrades and improvements. After the 1960s, the helicopters were completely re-skinned and had the engines as well as the rotors replaced. In lieu of these improvements, the H (for helicopter) was changed to a M (for multi-mission.) The most significant improvement on the Super Jollies was the Pave Low program. This program modified them for operating at night or during bad weather, as they were equipped with Forward-Looking infrared (FLIR) sensors, inertial global positioning systems (GPS), Doppler radar navigation and terrain-following and terrain-avoidance radar. The MH-53 can fly clandestine, low-level missions day or night regardless of weather.
The Pave Low IV has a system that greatly increases the aircraft’s abilities by giving the crew instant access to the total battlefield situation on a color, digital mat screen that is compatible with night vision goggles. The system uses feeds from satellite links and the system displays nearly real-time information about potential hazards along the flight route such as power lines or enemy electronic threats. The MH-53 at Hill Aerospace Museum was originally manufactured as an HH-53C. The USAF obtained the aircraft in March 1971 when it was first assigned to the Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Center, Military Air Transport Service, at Eglin Air Force Base. In May 1971, it was transferred to the 1550th Aircrew Training and Testing Wing, Military Airlift Command at Hill Air Force Base. In June 1974, it was transferred to the 6594th Test Group, AF Systems Command, at Hickam Air Force Base. In July 1986, the aircraft was moved to the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, where it was converted to a MH-53J configuration. It was then assigned to the 16th Special Operations Wing, AF Special Operation Command, at Hurlburt Field in 1994. While serving there it was upgraded to a MH-53M Pave Low IV.
The aircraft took its final flight in September 2008 to Hill Air Force Base.
Pave Low is actually an acronym for Precision Avionics Vectoring Equipment; in this case, used specifically for special operations and combat search and rescue missions.
With a length of 88 feet and a rotor diameter of 72 feet, the MH-53J Pave Low III was the largest helicopter in use by the United States Air Force (USAF).
Initially produced in the late 1960s, the Pave Low saw continued updates and modifications through 2008. The final flight of MH-53 happened on Sept. 27, 2008, in support of operations in Southwest Asia. It was later replaced by the V-22 Osprey.
The Jolly Green—known as HH-3E—was the predecessor of the MH-53. These helicopters were capable of landing on water, had a rear loading ramp and were predominately used for downed pilot recovery.
Like its predecessor the HH-3E, the MH-53 was also capable of making water landings.
The Pave Low could carry up to 46,000 pounds, allowing the aircraft between 37 and 55 troops, depending upon the helicopter’s configuration.
The MH-53J Pave Low III was the largest, most powerful and technologically advanced transport helicopter in the USAF.