The MH-53 was a series of large transport helicopters operated by the United States Air Force in the special operations role. The MH-53 designation breaks down as "M" standing for Multi-Mission and "H" standing for helicopter. The designation came about after extensive modifications were made to existing HH-53 "Super Jolly Green Giants" (or "Super Jollies") operated by the USAF in Vietnam. After the war, these HH-53 aircraft were fitted with a myriad of improved systems, new engines and new rotors - earning them an all-new designation through the "Pave Low" program, a program which greatly increased the type's ability for night and adverse weather operations. These helicopters were designed for long-range, low-level flights in an effort to assist ground special forces through clandestine insertion, extraction and resupply as needed - often times behind enemy lines.
The MH-53 was operated by a crew of six consisting of two pilots (officers), two flight engineers and two enlisted gunners. Defensive suppression armament can consist of 3 x 7.62mm miniguns or 3 x 12.7mm heavy caliber machine guns. The MH-53 can record speeds of up to 165 miles per hour, a ceiling of up to 16,000 feet and a range of 690 miles. Power is derived from twin General Electric T64-GE-100 series turboshaft engines developing 4,330 horsepower each and powering a six-blade main rotor and a four-blade tail rotor.
The MH-53J "Pave Low III" series was based on modified MH-53H and HH-53 models for the special forces insertion/resupply/extraction role. Thirty-two HH-53s along with nine MH-53H systems were selected for Pave Low III modification. Onboard systems included GPS, inertial navigation and Forward-Looking InfraRed (FLIR) along with an APQ-158 terrain-following and avoidance radar. This allowed the MH-53 the ability to complete low-light, low-level, all-weather flights consistent with special forces operations. Improved armor protection for the crew and systems also greeted the design.
The MH-53M "Pave Low IV" represented the final iteration of the Pave Low series. These systems were upgraded platforms of the MH-53J "Pave Low III" and fitted with improved defensive capabilities. Chief among these is the implementation of the Interactive Defensive Avionics System/Multi-Mission Advanced Tactical Terminal (IDAS/MATT). Pave Low IV gave MH-53 crews access to battlefield situations via a color digital map (even visible with the use of night vision goggles). The map was updated via satellite linkages and displayed near real-time data (including threats) along the flight route. MH-53Ms served on through 2008 in the special operations role in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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TRANSPORT
General transport functionality to move supplies/cargo or personnel (including wounded and VIP) over range.
SPECOPS
Serving Special Forces / Special Operations elements and missions.
91.9 ft (28.00 meters) Length
71.9 ft (21.90 meters) Width/Span
24.9 ft (7.60 meters) Height
32,000 lb (14,515 kilograms) Empty Weight
46,297 lb (21,000 kilograms) Maximum Take-Off Weight
+14,297 lb (+6,485 kg) Weight Difference
2 x General Electric T64-GE-100 turboshaft engines developing 4,330 shaft horsepower each and driving six-blade main rotor and four-bladed tail rotor. Propulsion
Typical: 3 x 7.62mm M134 Miniguns OR 3 x 12.7mm Browning M2 Heavy Machine Guns (HMGs) positioned one at left fuselage side, one at right fuselage side and one on the rear loading ramp. Two external side sponson hardpoints reserved for external fuel stores.
2 Hardpoints
MH-53 - Base Series Designation
YHH-53H "Pave Low I" - Prototype Designation
HH-53H "Pave Low II" - Night Infiltrator variant
MH-53H - Redesignation of HH-53H production mark
MH-53J "Pave Low III" - Special Forces variant based on HH-53B, HH-53C and HH-53H production models.
MH-53M "Pave Low IV" - Improved and modernized MH-53J production mark.
General Assessment
Firepower
Performance
Survivability
Versatility
Impact
Values are derrived from a variety of categories related to the design, overall function, and historical influence of this aircraft in aviation history.
Overall Rating
The overall rating takes into account over 60 individual factors related to this aircraft entry.
26
Rating is out of a possible 100 points.
Relative Maximum Speed
Hi: 200mph
Lo: 100mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (196mph).
Graph average of 150 miles-per-hour.
City-to-City Ranges
NYC
LON
LON
PAR
PAR
BER
BER
MOS
MOS
TOK
TOK
SYD
SYD
LAX
LAX
NYC
Operational range when compared to distances between major cities (in KM).
Max Altitude Visualization
Design Balance
The three qualities reflected above are altitude, speed, and range.
Aviation Era Span
Showcasing era cross-over of this aircraft design.
Unit Production (41)
41
36183
44000
Compared against Ilyushin IL-2 (military) and Cessna 172 (civilian).
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