Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk

Design and development

In 1981, the US Air Force chose the UH-60A Black Hawk to replace its HH-3E Jolly Green Giant helicopters. After acquiring some UH-60s, the Air Force began upgrading each with an air refueling probe and additional fuel tanks in the cabin. The machine guns were changed from 7.62 mm (0.308 in) M60s to 0.50 caliber (12.7 mm) XM218s. These helicopters were referred to as "Credible Hawks" and entered service in 1987.

Afterwards, the Credible Hawks and new UH-60As were upgraded and designated MH-60G Pave Hawk. These upgrades were to be done in a two-step process. However, funding allowed only 16 Credible Hawks to receive the second step equipment. These helicopters were allocated to special operations use. The remaining 82 Credible Hawks received the first step upgrade equipment and were used for combat search and rescue. In 1991, these search and rescue Pave Hawks were redesignated HH-60G.

The Pave Hawk is a highly modified version of the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk. It features an upgraded communications and navigation suite that includes an integrated inertial navigation/global positioning/Doppler navigation systems, satellite communications, secure voice, and Have Quick communications. The term PAVE stands for Precision Avionics Vectoring Equipment.

All HH-60Gs have an automatic flight control system, night vision goggles lighting and forward looking infrared system that greatly enhances night low-level operations. Additionally, some Pave Hawks have color weather radar and an engine/rotor blade anti-ice system that gives the HH-60G an all-weather capability. Pave Hawk mission equipment includes a retractable in-flight refueling probe, internal auxiliary fuel tanks, two crew-served (or pilot-controlled) 7.62 mm (0.308 in) miniguns or 0.50-caliber machine guns and an 8000 lb capacity cargo hook. To improve air transportability and shipboard operations, all HH-60Gs have folding rotor blades.

Pave Hawk combat enhancements include a radar warning receiver, infrared jammer and a flare/chaff countermeasure dispensing system. HH-60G rescue equipment includes a hoist capable of lifting a 600 lb load from a hover height of 200 ft, and a personnel locating system. A number of Pave Hawks are equipped with an over-the-horizon tactical data receiver that is capable of receiving near real-time mission update information.

Replacement

In 1999, the USAF identified a need for a helicopter with improved range, speed, and cabin space. An options analysis was completed in 2002 and funding for 141 aircraft under the "personnel recovery vehicle" program began in 2004. In 2005, it was renamed CSAR-X, meaning combat search and rescue. Sikorsky entered the HH-92 Superhawk, Lockheed Martin entered the VH-71 Kestrel, and Boeing entered the HH-47 Chinook. The HH-47 won the competition in November 2006, but the award was cancelled after successful protests from both rival competitors. A Request for Proposals (RFP) was reissued in 2007, but protested again before proposals were received, leading to a second cancellation. In March 2010, the USAF announced a recapitalization plan to return its 99-aircraft inventory to 112 airframes, incrementally replacing aging HH-60Gs; a secondary plan to replace 13 attrition HH-60s, 7 of which were lost in combat since 2001, was also initiated. The USAF deferred secondary combat search and rescue requirements calling for a larger helicopter. A UH-60M-based version was offered as a replacement.

On 22 October 2012, the USAF issued an RFP for up to 112 Combat Rescue Helicopters (CRH) to replace the HH-60G with the primary mission of personnel recovery from hostile territory; other missions include civil search and rescue, disaster relief, casualty and medical evacuation. It had to have a combat radius of 225 nmi, a payload of 1,500 lb (680 kg), and space for up to four stretchers. The AgustaWestland AW101 was one entrant. By December 2012, competitors AgustaWestland, EADS, Boeing, and Bell Helicopter had withdrawn amid claims that the RFP favored Sikorsky and did not reward rival aircraft's capabilities. The USAF argued that the competition was not written to favor Sikorsky, and that the terms were clear as to the capabilities they wanted and could afford. Sikorsky was the only bidder remaining, with subcontractor Lockheed Martin supplying mission equipment and the electronic survivability suite. Sikorsky and the USAF extensively evaluated the proposed CRH-60, a variant of the MH-60 special operations helicopter; the CRH-60 differed from the MH-60 by its greater payload and cabin capacity, wider rotor blades, and better hover capability.

In September 2013, the initial USAF FY 2015 budget proposal would have cancelled the CRH program due to sequestration budget cuts, instead retaining the existing HH-60 fleet. Congress allocated over $300 million to the program in FY 2014, with $430 million to be moved from other areas through FY 2019 to finance it. On 26 June 2014, the USAF awarded Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin a $1.3 billion contract for the first four aircraft, with 112 total to be procured for a total of up to $7.9 billion. Five more are to be delivered by 2020 and the order is to be completed by 2029. On 24 November 2014, the Air Force officially designated the UH-60M-derived CRH the HH-60W. It first flew on 17 May 2019. In February 2020, the HH-60W was named the "Jolly Green II" by the USAF. The 41st Rescue Squadron received the first two HH-60W helicopters on 5 November 2020.

In July 2025, the US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale of up to nine HH‑60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopters to Norway, along with associated equipment, training, and support, at an estimated cost of US$2.6 billion. Norway has not signed a procurement contract as of mid-July 2025.

Operational history

As of 2015, the US Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk was operated by the Air Combat Command (ACC), US Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), Air Education and Training Command (AETC), the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) and the Air National Guard (ANG). Some HH-60Gs are also operated by the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) for flight tests.

During Operation Desert Storm, Pave Hawks provided combat search and rescue coverage for coalition air forces in western Iraq, Saudi Arabia, coastal Kuwait and the Persian Gulf. They also provided emergency evacuation coverage for US Navy SEAL teams landing on the Kuwaiti coast before the invasion.

The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) got rid of its MH-60Gs configured for CSAR operations in 1991, redesignating them as HH-60Gs and giving them to Air Combat Command (ACC) and ACC-gained Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard units. AFSOC ceased all MH-60 operations in 1999.

On 29 October 1992, a MH-60G Pave Hawk crashed in the Great Salt Lake of Utah about 100 yards north of Antelope Island during a training exercise in bad weather. Twelve members of the Army's 75th Ranger Regiment and the Air Force's 1st Special Operations Wing died in the accident. The pilot, Air Force Maj. Stephan J. Laushine, was the only survivor.

During Operation Allied Force, the Pave Hawk provided continuous combat search and rescue coverage for NATO air forces, and recovered two US Air Force pilots who were isolated behind enemy lines.

In March 2000, three Pave Hawks deployed to Hoedspruit Air Force Base in South Africa to support international flood relief operations in Mozambique. The HH-60Gs flew 240 missions in 17 days and delivered more than 160 tons of humanitarian relief supplies.

In early 2005, Air Force Pave Hawks also took part in a massive humanitarian relief effort to help in Sri Lankan victims of the tsunami. In the fall of 2005, Pave Hawks from various Air Force commands helped rescue thousands of stranded survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

Pave Hawks operated during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and Operation Enduring Freedom, supporting Army and Marine Corps ground combat operations and standby search and rescue support for US and coalition fixed-wing combat aircraft.

On 15 March 2018, a CSAR HH-60G crashed near the Iraqi city of al-Qa'im, killing all seven on board.

Variants

• HH-60A: Prototype for the HH-60D rescue helicopter. A modified UH-60A primarily designed for combat search and rescue. It is equipped with a rescue hoist with a 200 ft cable that has a 600 lb lift capability, and a retractable in-flight refueling probe.
• HH-60D Night Hawk: Prototype of combat rescue variant for the US Air Force.
• HH-60E: Proposed search and rescue variant for the US Air Force.
• HH-60G Pave Hawk: Search and rescue helicopter for the US Air Force upgraded from UH-60A Credible Hawk.
• MH-60G Pave Hawk: Special Operations, search and rescue model for the US Air Force. Equipped with long-range fuel tanks, air-to-air refueling capability, FLIR, improved doppler radar. Powered by T-700-GE-700/701 engines. Operated by AFSOC's 55th Special Operations Squadron between 1982 and 1999. The helicopters were then transferred to ACC, the last was retired in May 2021.
• Maplehawk: Proposed search and rescue version for the Canadian Forces to replace aging CH-113 Labradors. The CF opted for the CH-149 Cormorant instead.
• HH-60P Pave Hawk: Combat Search and Rescue variant of UH-60P, in service with Republic of Korea Air Force. Variant includes External Tank System and FLIR for night operations.
• HH-60U: The Air Force has four HH-60U "Ghost Hawks", which are converted "M" variants that are based at Area 51.
• HH-60W Jolly Green II: Combat rescue helicopter variant of the UH-60M for the US Air Force to replace the HH-60G.

Operators

• Republic of Korea Air Force operates HH-60P helicopters

• United States Air Force

  • 33rd Rescue Squadron
  • 34th Weapons Squadron
  • 38th Rescue Squadron
  • 41st Rescue Squadron
  • 55th Rescue Squadron
  • 56th Rescue Squadron
  • 66th Rescue Squadron
  • 101st Rescue Squadron (New York Air National Guard)
  • 129th Rescue Squadron (California Air National Guard)
  • 188th Rescue Squadron (New Mexico Air National Guard)
  • 210th Rescue Squadron (Alaska Air National Guard)
  • 301st Rescue Squadron (Air Force Reserve Command)
  • 305th Rescue Squadron (Air Force Reserve Command)
  • 413th Flight Test Squadron (Air Force Materiel Command)
  • 512th Rescue Squadron (Air Education & Training Command)

Specifications (HH-60G)

|prime units?=kts

|max takeoff weight lb=22000 |max takeoff weight note=

-- |never exceed speed kts= |never exceed speed note= |disk loading lb/sqft= |fuel consumption lb/mi= |power/mass=

--

• 2 × 7.62 mm (0.308 in) miniguns or

• 2 × 0.50 caliber (12.7 mm) GAU-18/A heavy machine guns

• INS/GPS/Doppler navigation

• SATCOM satellite communications

• Secure/anti-jam communications

• LARS (Lightweight Airborne Recovery System) range/steering radio to compatible survivor radios

• Automatic flight control

• Night vision goggle lighting

• Forward looking infrared

• Color weather radar

• Retractable in-flight refueling probe

• Integral rescue hoist --

• RWR combat enhancement

• Infrared jamming unit

• Flare/chaff countermeasure dispensing system

Avionics and navigation upgrades

Modern variants of the HH-60 Pave Hawk incorporate advanced avionics and satellite-based navigation systems to enhance mission effectiveness in complex environments. The aircraft features a fully integrated glass cockpit, GPS/INS hybrid navigation, digital moving maps, and weather radar. These systems enable precision navigation under instrument flight rules (IFR) and in degraded visual environments. Recent upgrades also support performance-based navigation (PBN) and automatic dependent surveillance (ADS-B) for improved situational awareness and interoperability with civil air traffic management systems.

References

; Notes

; Bibliography

• Leoni, Ray D. Black Hawk: The Story of a World Class Helicopter. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2007. .
• Tomajczyk, Stephen F. Black Hawk. MBI, 2003. .

References

1. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-toasts-whiskey-designation-for-crh-fleet-406566/ USAF toasts Whiskey designation for CRH fleet] {{webarchive. link. (5 March 2016 - Flightglobal.com, 28 November 2014)
2. "HH-60G Pave Hawk total production".
3. Eden, Paul. "Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk/Seahawk", ''Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft''. Amber Books, 2004. {{ISBN. 1-904687-84-9.
4. Bishop, Chris. ''Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk''. Osprey, 2008. {{ISBN. 978-1-84176-852-6.
5. Young, Susan H.H.. (May 2008). "USAF Almanac 2008: Gallery of USAF Weapons".
6. (4 February 2004). "HH-60G Pave Hawk". [[United States Air Force]].
7. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sikorsky-eyes-federal-budget-amid-uncertainty-over-combat-rescue-helicopter-394324/ Sikorsky eyes federal budget amid uncertainty over combat rescue helicopter] {{webarchive. link. (20 December 2013 - Flightglobal.com, 19 December 2013)
8. Trimble, Stephen. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-abandons-large-helicopter-for-rescue-mission-p-338770/ "USAF abandons large helicopter for rescue mission, proposes buying 112 UH-60Ms"] {{webarchive. link. (10 October 2016 . ''Flight International''. 24 February 2010.)
9. [https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=e0d2f218043862f1a8f4e3c3d1200c83&tab=core&_cview=1 USAF HH-60 Personnel Recovery Recapitalization Program (HH-60 Recap) sources sought notice]. fbo.gov, Released" 23 March, Revised: 8 April 2010.
10. Reed, John. [https://archive.today/20120729065638/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4709684&c=AME&s=AIR "UH-60M Offered For USAF's New CSAR Program"]. ''Defense News'', 15 July 2010.
11. [https://www.af.mil/News/story/id/123323178/ Air Force Releases RFP for Next Search And Rescue Helicopter] Af.mil, 22 October 2012.
12. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-air-force-moves-forward-with-csar-procurement-378380/ US Air Force moves forward with CSAR procurement] {{webarchive. link. (19 April 2013 Flightglobal.com, 31 October 2012)
13. [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-helicopters-idUSBRE8BA1CY20121211 Most contractors opt out of Air Force chopper bids] {{webarchive. link. (24 September 2015 Reuters, 11 December 2012.)
14. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sikorsky-last-bidder-standing-in-usafs-combat-rescue-helicopter-battle-380157/ Sikorsky last bidder standing in USAF's combat rescue helicopter battle] {{webarchive. link. (22 March 2013 Flightglobal.com, 12 December 2012.)
15. [https://www.reuters.com/article/sikorsky-helicopters-idUSL1N0G322520130802 U.S. Air Force delays rescue helicopter contract award] {{webarchive. link. (24 September 2015 - Reuters.com, 2 August 2013)
16. [https://archive.today/20130915210441/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130915/DEFREG02/309150004 USAF Weighs Scrapping KC-10, A-10 Fleets] Defensenews.com, 15 September 2013.
17. [http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20140219204133/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140218/DEFREG02/302180038/Aide%2DCongress%2DWill%2DFight%2DFund%2DCombat%2DRescue%2DHelo Aide: Congress Will Fight To Fund Combat Rescue Helo] - Defensenews.com, 18 February 2014
18. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-to-issue-contract-to-sikorsky-for-rescue-helicopter-396608/ USAF to issue contract to Sikorsky for rescue helicopter] {{webarchive. link. (6 March 2014 - Flightglobal.com, 4 March 2014)
19. [http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20140626/NEWS04/306260073/Sikorsky-Lockheed-awarded-Combat-Rescue-Helo-contract Sikorsky, Lockheed awarded Combat Rescue Helo contract] {{webarchive. link. (1 July 2014 - Militarytimes.com, 26 June 2014)
20. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sikorsky-awarded-up-to-7.9-billion-rescue-helicopter-400835/ Sikorsky awarded up to $7.9 billion rescue helicopter deal] {{webarchive. link. (1 July 2014 - Flightglobal.com, 27 June 2014)
21. [https://www.janes.com/article/88676/update-sikorsky-hh-60w-combat-rescue-helicopter-makes-first-flight Update: Sikorsky HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter makes first flight]
22. [https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/us-air-force-names-hh-60w-combat-rescue-helicopter-jolly-green-ii/136980.article US Air Force names HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter "Jolly Green II"]
23. (2020-11-06). "USAF's first HH-60W Jolly Green II arrives at Moody AFB".
24. Schwenke, Ylva. (2025-07-16). "Tillitsvalgt i 339 skvadron: – Det beste helikopteret".
25. "US has Approved Sale of HH-60W Jolly Green II Helicopters to Norway for $2.6 Billion".
26. (12 August 1994). "MEMORIAL TO HAIL 12 VICTIMS OF '92 COPTER CRASH".
27. Gempis, Master Sgt. Val. [https://www.af.mil/News/story/storyID/123009629/ "Kadena Airmen help Sri Lanka tsunami victims"] . Air Force Print News, 18 January 2005.
28. Sullivan, Eileen. (16 March 2018). "All 7 U.S. Troops Aboard Helicopter Killed in Crash in Iraq". The New York Times.
29. [http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/412015l.pdf DoD 4120-15L, ''Model Designation of Military Aerospace Vehicles''] {{webarchive. link. (30 September 2007. US DoD, 12 May 2004.)
30. "MH-60G Pave Hawk tail number 009 soars one last time". Air Force.
31. "55th Special Operations Squadron [55th SOS]".
32. Warwick, Graham. (27 September 2008). "Level Playing Field?". Reed Business Information.
33. "South Korea to upgrade special ops UH/HH-60 helicopters".
34. "HH-60P image".
35. (1 December 2019). "Area 51 Has Its Own Unique Fleet Of HH-60U Ghost Hawk Helicopters".
36. (2014). "World Air Forces 2014". Flightglobal Insight.
37. "33d Rescue Squadron". af.mil.
38. "41st Rescue Squadron". af.mil.
39. "55th Rescue Squadron". af.mil.
40. "56th Rescue Squadron". af.mil.
41. "66th Rescue Squadron". af.mil.
42. "101st Rescue Squadron". af.mil.
43. "129th Rescue Squadron". af.mil.
44. "210th Rescue Squadron". af.mil.
45. "301st Rescue Squadron". af.mil.
46. "305th Rescue Squadron". af.mil.
47. "413th Flight Test Squadron". af.mil.
48. "512th Rescue Squadron". af.mil.
49. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage".
50. (August 2023). "USAF HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter Modernization Overview".
51. (January 2024). "Hughes Aerospace PBN Executive Summary".