HH-60G Pave Hawk

HH-60G Pave Hawk
Name	HH-60G Pave Hawk
Caption	An HH-60G from the 55th Rescue Squadron.
Type	Combat search and rescue helicopter
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Sikorsky Aircraft
First flight	17 August 1983
Introduction	1987
Retired	2024 (USAF)
Status	In service with international operators
Primary user	United States Air Force (historical)
Number built	112
Developed from	Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk
Variants	MH-60G Pave Hawk

HH-60G Pave Hawk. The HH-60G Pave Hawk is a highly modified Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter developed for the United States Air Force to perform the critical combat search and rescue and special operations support missions. It is distinguished by an extensive suite of avionics, electronic warfare, and aerial refueling systems that enable long-range, all-weather operations deep in hostile territory. The type served as the backbone of Air Combat Command's rescue forces for nearly four decades before its retirement from active USAF service.

Development and design

The development of the Pave Hawk was driven by the United States Air Force's need to replace its aging fleet of Sikorsky HH-3E Jolly Green Giant helicopters. Based on the proven Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk airframe, the HH-60G incorporated significant modifications for its specialized role. Key design features included an aerial refueling probe, internal auxiliary fuel tanks, and an upgraded T700-GE-701C engine for increased power. The helicopter's "Pave" designation signifies its integration of advanced avionics from the Pave program, including a Texas Instruments AN/APQ-174 terrain-following radar, an AN/ALQ-144 infrared countermeasures system, and an AN/APR-39 radar warning receiver. These systems, coupled with Global Positioning System navigation and secure Have Quick communications, allowed crews to operate at low level in adverse conditions.

Operational history

Entering service with the United States Air Force in 1987, the HH-60G Pave Hawk quickly became essential to Air Combat Command's rescue community, primarily flown by Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard units like the 106th Rescue Wing. The helicopter saw extensive combat use during Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the War in Afghanistan, performing perilous personnel recovery missions. Pave Hawks were also routinely deployed for civil search and rescue and humanitarian aid missions, such as those following Hurricane Katrina and the 2010 Haiti earthquake. In 2024, the USAF officially retired the HH-60G, replacing it with the newer Sikorsky HH-60W Jolly Green II.

Variants

The primary variant was the HH-60G, with 99 converted from existing Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk airframes. An earlier conversion, the MH-60G Pave Hawk, was used by the 1st Special Operations Wing for special operations before being redesignated. Several test and development platforms also existed, including the EH-60C for electronic warfare experiments. The direct successor to the HH-60G in USAF service is the Sikorsky HH-60W Jolly Green II, which features improved range, survivability, and avionics.

Operators

The primary operator was the United States Air Force, with aircraft assigned to wings such as the 347th Rescue Wing and the 563rd Rescue Group. Following its USAF retirement, several helicopters were transferred to international allies under programs like Excess Defense Articles. Current operators include the Royal Thai Air Force, which received aircraft for search and rescue duties, and the Pakistan Army's Army Aviation Corps. The Republic of Korea Air Force also operates a small number of former USAF HH-60Gs.

Specifications (HH-60G)

General characteristics: Crew: 4 (pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, gunner); Capacity: Up to 6 litters or 12 troops; Length: 64 ft 10 in; Rotor diameter: 53 ft 8 in; Height: 16 ft 10 in; Empty weight: 11,500 lb; Max takeoff weight: 22,000 lb; Powerplant: 2 × General Electric T700 turboshaft engines. Performance: Maximum speed: 184 mph; Range: 504 mi (unrefueled); Ferry range: 1,380 mi (with aerial refueling); Service ceiling: 14,200 ft. Avionics: AN/APQ-174 radar, AN/ALQ-144 Infrared countermeasures, AN/APR-39 radar warning receiver, GPS. Armament: 2 × M134 miniguns or M240 machine guns.

Notable accidents and incidents

The hazardous nature of combat search and rescue has led to several losses. In 2002, an HH-60G from the 66th Rescue Squadron crashed in the Philippines during a Joint Combined Exchange Training exercise, killing all ten personnel on board. During Operation Enduring Freedom in 2010, a helicopter was shot down in Helmand Province, resulting in the deaths of four crewmembers from the 55th Rescue Squadron. A non-combat crash occurred in 2018 near RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom, involving a 48th Rescue Squadron aircraft during a training mission, which resulted in fatalities.

Category:United States military rescue aircraft Category:Sikorsky aircraft Category:Combat search and rescue aircraft