MH-53J PAVE LOW

General Characteristics:

Primary Function: Long-range infiltration, exfiltration and re-supply of special operations forces in day, night or marginal weather conditions

Builder: Sikorsky

Power Plant: Two General Electric T64-GE/-100 engines

Thrust: 4,330 shaft horsepower per engine

Length: 88 feet (28 meters)

Height: 25 feet (7.6 meters)

Rotary Diameter: 72 feet (21.9 meters)

Speed: 165 mph (at sea level)

Ceiling: 16,000 feet (4,876 meters)

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 46,000 pounds (Emergency War Plan allows for 50,000 pounds)

Range: 600 nautical miles (unlimited with aerial refueling)

Armament: Combination of three 7.62 mm mini guns or three .50 caliber machine guns

Crew: Two pilots, two flight engineers and two aerial gunners

Date Deployed: 1981

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