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MH-53J Pave Low III, USAF
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Scale 1:45 Fuselage 17.9" Rotor
19.2"
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The Pave Low helicopter is a United States Navy design that the Air Force rebuilt to perform deep penetration missions in heavily defended airspace. Under the Air Force's Pave Low III-E program, nine MH-53H's and thirty-two HH-53s were modified for night and adverse weather operations and designated MH-53J. The modifications included forward-looking infrared, inertial global positioning, Doppler navigation, a terrain-following and terrain-avoidance radar and a computer generated moving-map display to cut down on pilot workload. The MH-53J Pave Low III heavy-lift helicopter is the largest and most powerful helicopter in the Air Force inventory, and the most technologically advanced helicopter in the world. Its terrain-following, terrain-avoidance radar and forward-looking infrared sensor along with a projected map display enable the crew to follow terrain contours and avoid obstacles, making low-level penetration possible. The aircraft has over 1,000 pounds of armor covering vital areas and can be armed with up to three Mini-guns or .50 cal machine guns. Additionally, the MH-53 is equipped with radar-warning receivers as well as chaff and flare launchers to help defend the aircraft from enemy missiles. The Pave Low has the capacity to transport 38 troops or 14 litters, and can sling up to 20,000 lbs with it's external cargo hook. It can reach top speeds of 165 mph and altitudes of up to 16,000 feet. Although the maximum range of the Pave Low is 630 miles, it can fly virtually indefinitely with in-flight refueling. There are two main versions of the Pave Low in service now, the MH-53J and the more capable MH-53M, which features more robust defensive electronics. The MH-53J is crewed by 2 pilots, 2 flight engineers and 2 aerial gunners (2 medics added for rescue missions). Pave Lows were the first allied aircraft to enter Iraq in the first gulf war and led Army AH-64 Apaches behind enemy lines to destroy Iraqi early warning radars. In addition to infiltration, ex-filtration and re-supply of special forces teams throughout Iraq and Kuwait, Pave Lows provided search and rescue coverage for coalition air forces in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Turkey and the Persian Gulf. Following the war, MH-53J's were deployed to Northern Iraq to support Operation Provide Comfort, assisting displaced Kurds. Pave Lows were also used extensively during Operation Just Cause in Panama. Crew:
Two pilots, 2 flight engineers and 2 gunners
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