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CH/HH-3 Jolly Green Giant

The CH-3E was the USAF version of the Sikorsky S-61 amphibious transport helicopter developed for the U.S. Navy. The USAF initially operated six Navy HSS-2 (SH-3A) versions of the S-61 in 1962, eventually designating them CH-3A/Bs. They were so successful the USAF ordered 75, modified as CH-3Cs, featuring a new rear fuselage design with a ramp for vehicles and other cargo. The first CH-3C was flown on June 17, 1963. When 41 CH-3Cs were updated with more powerful engines in 1966, they were redesignated as CH-3Es. Forty-five more were newly manufactured. Later, 50 CH-3Es were modified for combat rescue missions with armor, defensive armament, self-sealing fuel tanks, a rescue hoist, and in-flight refueling capability. They were redesignated HH-3Es and used extensively in Vietnam under the nickname "Jolly Green Giant."

Specifications

Main rotor diameter 62 ft.
Fuselage Length 73 ft. 0 in.
Height 18 ft. 1 in.
Weight 22,050 lbs. loaded
Armament Provisions for two .50-cal. machine guns
Engines Two General Electric T58-GE-5 turboshaft engines of 1,500 hp. each
Crew Three
Cost $796,000
Maximum speed 177 mph.
Cruising speed 154 mph.
Range 779 miles with external fuel tanks
Service Ceiling 21,000 ft.


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http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/hh-3.htm
Maintained by Robert Sherman
Originally created by John Pike
Updated Thursday, January 07, 1999 6:13:05 PM