MH-53J Pave Low IIIE

Mission
The MH-53J's mission is to perform low-level, long-range, undetected penetration into denied areas, day or night, in adverse weather, for infiltration, exfiltration, or special operations forces.

Characteristics
Primary Function: Special operations forces long-range delivery and resupply under adverse weather conditions.
Contractor: Sikorsky Aircraft Co.
Power Plant: Two General Electric T64-GE-100 engines
Thrust: 4,330 shaft horsepower, each engine
Length: 92 feet (28 meters)
Height: 25 feet (7.6 meters)
Rotary Diameter: 72 feet (21.9 meters)
Speed: 165 miles per hour (264 kph)
Ceiling: 16,000 feet(4,849 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 46,000 pounds (18,900 kilograms), emergency war plan allows for 50,000 pounds
Armament: Any combination of three 7.62 minigunns and .50 caliber machine guns
Range: 630 miles (550 nautical miles)
Crew: Two officers (pilots); four enlisted (two flight engineers, two aerial gunners)
Date Deployed: 1981
Unit Cost: $25 million (1993 dollars)
Inventory: Active force = 41; Reserve = 0; National Guard = 0

ALL INFORMATION IS FROM THE U.S. AIR FORCE WEBSITE