MH-53J Pavelow III / MH-53M Pavelow IV
The MH-53 Pavelow series are advanced helicopters operated by USAF Special Operations Squadrons. The MH-53 Pavelow is based around the HH-53 Jolly Green Giant airframe, with improved armor, avionics, weapons and aerial refueling capabilities.
MH-53 Pavelows are operated by:
- 20th Special Operations Squadron - Hurlburt Field, Florida
- 21st Special Operations Squadron - RAF Mildenhall, England
MH-53J/M Pavelow - Roles
USAF Special Ops use the MH-53J/M helicopter:
- insertion/extraction/resupply of special operations forces
- combat search and rescue
- humanitarian relief operations
Pavelow crews train extensively with USAF Special Tactics Squadrons such as Combat Controllers and Pararescuemen as well as exercising regularly with other Special Operations Forces.
MH-53 Variants
- MH-53J Pavelow III
The older version of the Pavelow, still in service, saw action in Operation Desert Storm, 1991. In the opening salvo of the air war, USAF Pavelow IIIs acted as path finders for a fleet of AH-64A Apache helicopters on a mission to destroy Iraqi air defence radars. The Pavelows used their (then) advanced navigation systems to guide the Apaches over the featureless desert. - MH-53M Pavelow IV
The Pavelow IV is an upgraded III, with a number of improved features:- IDAS/MATT
improved defensive aids and sensors package allows the Pavelow IV to detect threats from over the horizon, using data other assets supplied over a secure network - digital map display
- IDAS/MATT
MH-53 Features
All variants feature a rear hydraulic ramp for loading/off-loading troops, vehicles and supplies. FRIES Fast rope rigs allow for rapid deployment of troops via the rear ramp and a hatch in the helicopter's belly. Rope ladders can be fitted for extraction from rough ground or water
A telescopic refueling probe on the starboard fuselage enable the MH-53 to refuel in-flight from the MC-130E/H/P/W series of airborne tankers. 2 450 gallon jettisonable external fuel tanks, one fitted to each side of the fuselage, extend the Pavelow's range out to 900km.
As with MH-60/HH-60 Black Hawks tasked with CSAR operations, Pavelows carry Personnel Location Systems (PLS), which home in on beacons carried by downed pilots.
MH-53 Avionics
Pavelows carry an array os advanced sensors, management systems and defensive aids, notably:
- Doppler terrain following/avoidance radar - allows for ground-hugging, low-level flying
- Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) pod - allows for all-weather, day/night flying
- GPS/Inertial navigation systems - pinpoints the helicopter precise location, anywhere on the globe
MH-53 Weapons
Pavelows are typically fitted with 3 firing points at port, starboard and on the rear hydraulic ramp, where various machine guns can be mounted.
MH-53J Pavelow III Specifications
| Crew | Pilot, Co-pilot + 2 flight engineers + 2 gunners |
| Engines | 2x4,380hp GE T63-GE-415 Turboshafts |
| Dimensions | L - 20.47m W (rotor diameter) - 24.08m H - 7.6m |
| Weights | 10,690 kg (empty) 19,051 kg (max loadout) |
| Max Speed | 315 kph |
| Range | 900 km - with external fuel pods |
| Armament | 3 gun ports (port/starboard and rear) : m134 7.62mm miniguns and/or .50 M2 HB machine guns |
| Avionics | APR-39 Radar Hazard Warning Set ALE-39 Chaff and Flare Dispenser ALQ-157 Infrared Jammer AAR-47 Missile Warning System Doppler terrain following/avoidance radar Inertial GPS navigation Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) Secure radio communications |
