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Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk

Sikorsky · Utility / Transport Helicopter · USA · Cold War (1970–1991)

Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk — Utility / Transport Helicopter
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The Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk and its successor the HH-60W Jolly Green II are American twin-engine, single-rotor combat search and rescue (CSAR) helicopters developed by Sikorsky Aircraft (now Lockheed Martin Sikorsky) for the U.S. Air Force. Entering USAF service in 1982, the HH-60G served as the principal CSAR platform for over four decades. The HH-60W successor reached service in 2020 and now serves as the Air Force's frontline combat rescue helicopter. Across both types the HH-60 family has recovered thousands of downed aircrew, special-operations personnel, and civilians during U.S. military operations from Operation Desert Storm through to current deployments.

Both the HH-60G and HH-60W share the UH-60 Black Hawk airframe — roughly 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a 53-ft (16.4 m) four-blade main rotor — but with CSAR-specific equipment fitted. Empty weight is around 14,500 lb for the HH-60G and 16,300 lb for the HH-60W; maximum take-off weight 22,000 lb and 23,500 lb respectively. Power comes from two General Electric T700-GE-701D turboshafts of about 1,800 shp each, with the HH-60W using the more powerful T700-GE-701D variant. Maximum speed is around 184 mph, combat radius about 200 nmi typical and 600+ nmi with in-flight refuelling, and service ceiling 14,000 ft. Distinguishing features include an in-flight refuelling probe (compatible with HC-130J, KC-130J, and C-130J tankers), two door guns (.50 cal GAU-21, M134 Minigun, or 7.62mm M240), forward-looking infrared (FLIR), a glass cockpit on the HH-60W, and expanded electronic-warfare protection on the W model.

Combat search and rescue is the HH-60's defining role — recovering downed USAF aircrew, special-operations personnel, and civilians from mission areas including hostile and contested environments. A typical sortie launches from a forward operating base or ship deck, transits to a recovery location often deep inside enemy territory, recovers personnel via hoist or by landing, and returns to friendly territory, usually with HC-130J Combat King II tanker support and escort assets. Long range with refuelling, useful cargo volume, integrated CSAR mission systems, and helicopter VTOL flexibility together make the HH-60 the platform of choice for this mission.

The HH-60G saw extensive USAF service from 1982 until fleet retirement was largely complete in 2024. Major operations include Operation Just Cause (Panama, 1989), Operation Desert Storm (1991, where the type flew thousands of CSAR sorties), Operation Allied Force (Yugoslavia, 1999), Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2011), Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan, 2001-2014), Operation Inherent Resolve (Iraq/Syria, 2014-present), and Operation Kabul Evacuation (August 2021). The HH-60W Jolly Green II is now progressively replacing it, having reached IOC in 2020. Roughly 113 HH-60Gs were built, with about 113 HH-60Ws planned in a 1:1 replacement. Operating units span seven active and reserve squadrons at Kadena, Moody, Davis-Monthan, Lakenheath, Nellis, Patrick, and Tucson.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk is the American Air Force's combat search-and-rescue helicopter. It is a modified Black Hawk built to fly into enemy territory to pick up downed pilots or special-forces teams. The newer HH-60W Jolly Green II started replacing the Pave Hawk in 2021.

The HH-60 has two General Electric T700 engines, each making 1,940 horsepower. Top speed is 184 mph, faster than a high-speed train. The helicopter is 64 feet long, about the length of a school bus. Special features include big extra fuel tanks for long missions, an air-to-air refueling probe, machine guns at both side doors, and modern night-vision systems.

The Pave Hawk has been in combat since the Gulf War in 1991. HH-60 crews have rescued pilots and special forces from Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, and many other places. The motto of Air Force rescue is 'That Others May Live'.

The new HH-60W Jolly Green II adds an even bigger fuel tank for longer range and modernized systems. The Air Force ordered 113 HH-60Ws, with deliveries running through 2027. The name 'Jolly Green Giant' honors the giant HH-3E rescue helicopters of the Vietnam War.

Fun Facts

  • The HH-60's motto is 'That Others May Live'.
  • HH-60 crews have rescued pilots and special forces from many countries.
  • Top speed is 184 mph, faster than a high-speed train.
  • The HH-60W Jolly Green II is replacing the older Pave Hawk in 2021-2027.
  • An air-to-air refueling probe sticks out from the nose for long missions.
  • The Air Force ordered 113 HH-60W Jolly Green IIs in 2014.
  • The 'Jolly Green Giant' name comes from the HH-3E rescue helicopter of the Vietnam War.

Kids’ Questions

What is combat search and rescue?

When a pilot has to bail out over enemy territory, the rescue team must reach them fast before the enemy does. The HH-60 carries a doctor, two gunners, and two pilots. They fly into the danger zone, find the downed pilot, pick them up, and fly home. Crews train hard for these missions, which can be done at night, in storms, or under enemy fire.

Why a refueling probe?

Rescue missions can be hundreds of miles from base. The helicopter's normal fuel tanks are not enough. A refueling probe lets the HH-60 plug into a flying tanker (a HC-130 Hercules) to fill up its tanks in mid-air. With refueling, the helicopter can fly across half a continent on a single mission.

Why a new version?

The original Pave Hawks are getting old, with worn-out parts and 1990s electronics. The new HH-60W Jolly Green II has bigger fuel tanks (50% more range), modern radio and night-vision, and an updated cockpit. The Air Force needs the Jolly Green II for rescues in places like the Pacific, where distances are huge.

Variants

HH-60G Pave Hawk (1982-2024)
Original production variant introduced in 1982. Around 113 delivered to the U.S. Air Force and operated for CSAR duties until fleet retirement in 2024. Combat-deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, and other theatres.
HH-60W Jolly Green II (current, 2020-)
Successor variant with around 113 planned for the U.S. Air Force. IOC achieved in 2020 with the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB, GA, now serving across USAF Rescue Squadrons. Improvements over the HH-60G include a glass cockpit, updated mission systems, expanded electronic-warfare protection, and improved sensors.
MH-60M Black Hawk (USA SOF, related)
U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Regiment (160th SOAR) variant, with around 50 delivered. Equipped for special-operations infiltration and exfiltration. See the separate MH-60M entry.
UH-60M Black Hawk (USA, related)
U.S. Army medium-lift transport variant, with 750+ in Army service. Sister platform to the HH-60. See the separate UH-60 entry.
UH-60V Black Hawk Modernized
U.S. Army UH-60M update with glass cockpit and updated mission systems; around 140 ordered. A separate platform but related in concept to the HH-60W upgrade.

Notable Operators

U.S. Air Force
Sole operator. Around 113 HH-60Gs were operated from 1982 to 2024, with 113 HH-60Ws planned in 1:1 replacement. Operating units include nine active and reserve squadrons at Kadena AB (Japan), Moody AFB (Georgia), Davis-Monthan AFB (Arizona), RAF Lakenheath (UK), Nellis AFB (Nevada), Tucson (Arizona), and Patrick SFB (Florida).
U.S. Air Force Reserve / National Guard
USAF Reserve and Air National Guard units operate the HH-60G and HH-60W, including the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Space Force Base (Florida).
Foreign / export operators (limited)
Limited foreign export. A handful of HH-60G airframes have been transferred to allied operators after U.S. service. Export uptake has been constrained by the platform's heavy reliance on integrated U.S. CSAR doctrine.
Preservation / museums
Around 30 surviving HH-60Gs are preserved at U.S. aviation museums and other display sites, with the type well-represented in USAF CSAR heritage collections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is combat search and rescue (CSAR)?

CSAR is the USAF mission of recovering downed aircrew, special-operations personnel, and civilians from operational areas, including hostile and contested environments. Unlike civilian SAR, which addresses recovery without combat threats, CSAR specifically deals with environments where enemy forces are present and may threaten the recovery itself. The mission demands: (1) long-range helicopter reach to distant mission areas; (2) air-to-air refuelling for extended missions; (3) defensive protection (door-mounted machine guns, electronic-warfare protection) for survival in contested airspace; and (4) specialised crew training. The HH-60G and HH-60W are the USAF's primary platforms, supported by HC-130J Combat King II tankers, MC-130J Commando II for SOF integration, and other partner aircraft.

How does the HH-60W differ from the HH-60G?

The HH-60G (1982-2024) flew with T700-GE-701 engines, an analog cockpit (with later glass-cockpit retrofits), and basic mission systems. The HH-60W Jolly Green II (2020+) introduced more powerful T700-GE-701D engines, a full glass cockpit with updated flight management, an upgraded mission suite with expanded electronic-warfare protection, and an improved sensor fit. The W also carries more fuel and uses revised structural components, giving roughly 25% greater service range than the HH-60G. IOC was achieved in 2020, with full fielding across the 113-aircraft fleet expected in 2027.

How does the HH-60 differ from the UH-60 Black Hawk?

Both share the same airframe family but with CSAR-specific modifications on the HH-60. The UH-60 Black Hawk is a U.S. Army utility/transport helicopter without in-flight refuelling, with modest defensive systems and no dedicated CSAR equipment. The HH-60G and HH-60W are USAF CSAR aircraft fitted with an in-flight refuelling probe, two door-mounted machine guns, forward-looking infrared, and a CSAR-tailored mission system. Same basic airframe, very different service role.

Has the HH-60 been used in combat?

Yes, extensively. HH-60G combat deployments include Operation Just Cause (Panama, 1989), Operation Desert Storm (1991, thousands of sorties supporting U.S. air operations), Operation Allied Force (Yugoslavia, 1999), Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan, 2001-2014), Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2011), Operation Inherent Resolve (Iraq/Syria, 2014-present), and Operation Kabul Evacuation (August 2021). One of the type's best-known missions was the recovery of Captain Scott O'Grady from Bosnia in June 1995, among the most famous CSAR operations of the post-Cold War era. Across more than 40 years of U.S. military operations, the family has saved thousands of personnel.

What weapons does the HH-60 carry?

Defensive armament only. Two door-mounted machine guns are typically fitted: 7.62mm M240 on the HH-60G or .50 cal GAU-21 on the HH-60W, with some configurations using the 7.62mm M134 Minigun. The aircraft carries no offensive weapons — no missiles, rockets, or bombs — since its mission is recovery rather than strike. Survivability in contested airspace relies on speed, defensive electronic-warfare protection, and escort by fighters or attack helicopters, with the door guns reserved for self-defence and limited suppressive fire during recovery.

What does the HH-60 cost?

HH-60G unit cost was around $20M USD per airframe in 1990s dollars. The HH-60W Jolly Green II runs around $50-60M USD per airframe in current dollars, with the total HH-60W programme cost roughly $7-8B USD across the 113-aircraft fleet (acquisition plus 30-year operations). The price step from G to W reflects the upgraded mission systems, expanded electronic-warfare protection, and revised airframe components. Operating cost is around $3,500-5,000 per flight hour, making the HH-60 family one of the more cost-effective USAF special-mission platforms.

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