How does a Military Helicopter work? (Pave Hawk)

Jared Owen
17 Feb 202218:08
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis video explores the specialized Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter, operated by the U.S. Air Force for combat and search-and-rescue missions since the 1980s. Highlighting its unique features, the video delves into the Pave Hawk's engines, rotors, flight controls, and capabilities like aerial refueling and infrared night vision. It also covers the helicopter's role in space missions, its worldwide deployments, and its operational costs. The video concludes with insights into the Pave Hawk's future replacement, the HH-60W Jolly Green II, and a promotion for Ground News, an app offering comprehensive news coverage.

Takeaways
  • 🚁 The video introduces the specialized Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk, a version of the Black Hawk helicopter used by the United States Air Force for combat and search and rescue missions.
  • 👨‍🔧 The Pave Hawk typically has a crew of four, including a pilot, co-pilot, and two special missions aviators, with additional pararescuemen for specific missions.
  • 🔗 The helicopter has a partnership with NASA, being on standby for potential rescues during space launches at Kennedy Space Center.
  • 🌏 The Pave Hawk is deployed worldwide, including in the U.S., Central America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
  • 💰 Each Pave Hawk helicopter costs approximately 40 million US dollars.
  • 🛫 The helicopter's dimensions are just under 20 meters in length and about five meters in height, with distinctive features including main rotors, fuselage, cockpit, cabin, tail, stabilator, and tail rotors.
  • ⛽ It operates on jet fuel, with a main fuel tank and an auxiliary fuel tank providing extended flight range, and is capable of both ground and aerial refueling.
  • 🔥 The Pave Hawk is equipped with missile warning sensors and a radar warning receiver for enhanced safety during missions.
  • 🔦 The helicopter features a color weather radar, forward-looking infrared camera, and a LARS antenna for locating survivors, especially during night operations or adverse weather.
  • 💺 The cockpit design includes seats that compress in a crash to protect the crew, and flight controls consist of a collective, cyclic, and tail rotor pedals.
  • 🔫 The Pave Hawk often mounts GAU-2 Miniguns on each side, operated by special missions aviators, capable of firing up to 4,000 rounds per minute.
  • 🚀 The helicopter can be transported by folding its rotors and stabilator, fitting inside larger aircraft like the C-17 for deployment to different locations.
  • 🆕 The HH-60G Pave Hawk is set to be replaced by the HH-60W Jolly Green II, offering improvements in electronics, fuel systems, engines, armor, and weapons.
Q & A

  • What is the specialized version of the Black Hawk helicopter discussed in the video?

    -The specialized version of the Black Hawk helicopter discussed in the video is called the Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk.

  • Which branch of the U.S. military owns and operates the Pave Hawk helicopter?

    -The Pave Hawk helicopter is owned and operated by the United States Air Force.

  • What is the primary purpose of the Pave Hawk helicopter?

    -The Pave Hawk helicopter is primarily used for combat search and rescue missions, including picking up personnel in dangerous areas and bringing them back to safety.

  • What is the typical crew size for a Pave Hawk helicopter and what are their roles?

    -The Pave Hawk helicopter typically has a crew of four: a pilot, a co-pilot, and two special missions aviators, also known as flight engineers.

  • What is the connection between Pave Hawk helicopters and NASA?

    -Pave Hawk helicopters have a connection with NASA at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where they are on standby for potential rescues during space launches.

  • How much does each Pave Hawk helicopter cost?

    -Each Pave Hawk helicopter costs around 40 million US dollars.

  • What are the two ways the Pave Hawk helicopter can be refueled?

    -The Pave Hawk helicopter can be refueled on the ground using fueling connections on the left side, or it can refuel in flight using an air refueling probe.

  • What is the purpose of the LARS antenna on the Pave Hawk helicopter?

    -The LARS antenna, which stands for 'lightweight airborne recovery system,' is used to help locate survivors down below the helicopter.

  • What is the function of the FRIES bar inside the Pave Hawk helicopter's cabin?

    -The FRIES bar, which stands for 'fast rope insertion extraction system,' is used for pararescuemen to quickly slide down to the ground when the helicopter cannot land.

  • How does the Pave Hawk helicopter manage the counter-torque needed to prevent spinning out of control?

    -The Pave Hawk helicopter manages counter-torque by using tail rotors at the back, which provide a spinning force in the opposite direction to stabilize the helicopter.

  • What is the role of the swashplate assembly in controlling the Pave Hawk helicopter?

    -The swashplate assembly is crucial for controlling the helicopter's movement by tilting and adjusting the pitch on each of the four rotor blades, thus creating unequal lift on different sides of the helicopter.

  • What is the phenomenon called gyroscopic precession and how does it affect helicopter flight?

    -Gyroscopic precession is a phenomenon that occurs with anything that spins and is especially important for helicopters. It causes the helicopter to roll in the opposite direction when attempting to pitch forward or backward, requiring pilots to apply force on the opposite side to achieve the desired movement.

  • How are the main rotor blades of the Pave Hawk helicopter used to generate lift?

    -The main rotor blades of the Pave Hawk helicopter generate lift by changing the pitch of the blades, which affects the angle of attack. Increasing the pitch generates more lift, causing the helicopter to ascend, while decreasing the pitch generates less lift, causing the helicopter to descend or accelerate downwards.

  • What is the future replacement for the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter?

    -The HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter will eventually be replaced by the HH-60W Jolly Green II, which will offer improvements in electronics, fuel system, engines, armor plating, and weapons systems.

Outlines
00:00
🚁 Introduction to the Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk

The video introduces the specialized Pave Hawk variant of the Black Hawk helicopter, used by the U.S. Air Force for combat, search, and rescue missions since the 1980s. The Pave Hawk is equipped with a crew of four and additional pararescuemen for specific operations. It has a unique auxiliary fuel tank for extended range and can perform aerial refueling. The helicopter's association with NASA for space launch support and its global deployment are highlighted, along with its cost and dimensions. The major parts of the helicopter, including the main rotors, fuselage, cockpit, cabin, tail, and stabilator, are identified. The video also delves into the helicopter's fueling process, both on the ground and in-flight, and mentions the use of a fuel dumping tube for emergency weight reduction.

05:03
🎖️ Features and Systems of the Pave Hawk Helicopter

This paragraph covers the cockpit's layout with the pilot and co-pilot positions, visibility features, and flight control mechanisms, including the collective, cyclic, and tail rotor pedals. The video explains the function of each control in maneuvering the helicopter. It also details the helicopter's defensive systems, such as missile warning sensors and radar warning receivers, and its communication equipment. The weather radar, infrared camera, and LARS antenna for locating survivors are also discussed. The paragraph further describes the armament, with a focus on the GAU-2 Minigun, and the helicopter's cabin, which includes the fast rope insertion extraction system (FRIES) and hoist for survivor recovery. The use of chaff and flares for countermeasures against missiles and the aft transition bay for additional electronic equipment storage are also mentioned.

10:04
🛫 Understanding Helicopter Flight Mechanics

The paragraph delves into the mechanics of helicopter flight, focusing on the Pave Hawk's rotor system. It explains how lift is generated by changing the pitch of the rotor blades rather than their speed, which remains constant at 258 RPM. The tail rotors' role in providing counter-torque to prevent the helicopter from spinning is discussed, along with their ability to adjust pitch for directional control. The swashplate assembly's function in controlling the helicopter's movement through uneven lift distribution is described. The concept of gyroscopic precession, crucial for understanding helicopter control, is introduced, explaining the 90-degree delay in the effect of applied forces on the helicopter's orientation. The paragraph concludes with an overview of the cockpit's three main flight controls and their functions in controlling altitude, direction, and yaw.

15:07
🔄 Pave Hawk Maintenance and Future Replacement

This final paragraph discusses the preparation required for transporting the Pave Hawk, which includes folding the main rotor blades, tail rotors, and stabilator to fit the helicopter inside a C-17 aircraft. The video mentions the Pave Hawk's ability to fold its tail for even more compact storage in extreme cases. It acknowledges the HH-60G Pave Hawk's long service and hints at its future replacement by the HH-60W Jolly Green II, which promises improvements in electronics, fuel systems, engines, armor, and weapons. The paragraph concludes with a promotion for Ground News, a platform for comparing news coverage from various sources to get a comprehensive view of current events, and an invitation for viewers to subscribe to the channel for more informative content.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Black Hawk
The term 'Black Hawk' refers to a family of medium-lift, twin-engine, multi-mission helicopters originally designed by Sikorsky Aircraft. In the video, the focus is on a specialized version known as the Pave Hawk, which is used for combat, search, and rescue missions. The script mentions the Black Hawk as the base model from which the Pave Hawk is derived, highlighting its versatility and the specific adaptations made for its specialized roles.
💡Pave Hawk
The 'Pave Hawk' is a specific variant of the Black Hawk helicopter, designated as the Sikorsky HH-60G. It is owned and operated by the United States Air Force and has been in service since the 1980s. The video script emphasizes its role in combat search and rescue, its crew composition, and its unique features that enable it to perform its specialized missions effectively.
💡Crew
In the context of the video, 'crew' refers to the team of personnel that operate the Pave Hawk helicopter. The standard crew consists of four members: a pilot, a co-pilot, and two special missions aviators or flight engineers. Depending on the mission, additional pararescuemen, known as PJs, may also be onboard. The script illustrates the importance of the crew in executing the helicopter's search and rescue operations.
💡Aerial Refueling
Aerial refueling, also known as air-to-air refueling, is the process of transferring fuel from one military aircraft to another while both are in flight. The script describes how the Pave Hawk can be refueled in the air using an HC-130J aircraft with a refueling pod, allowing the helicopter to extend its operational range without needing to land.
💡Missile Warning Sensors
Missile warning sensors are systems installed on military aircraft to detect the launch of enemy missiles. The script mentions these sensors as part of the Pave Hawk's defensive suite, which alerts the crew to incoming threats, enhancing the helicopter's survivability in combat scenarios.
💡Radar Warning Receiver
A radar warning receiver is a device that detects the emission of radar signals, often used by adversaries to track aircraft. In the script, it is highlighted as a component of the Pave Hawk's electronic warfare capabilities, helping the helicopter to avoid detection and potential engagement by enemy forces.
💡Forward Looking Infrared Camera
The forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera is a sensor that detects infrared radiation emitted by objects, allowing for visibility in low-light conditions or at night. The video script describes the FLIR camera as a tool that assists the Pave Hawk crew in navigating and conducting operations in darkness.
💡LARS
LARS stands for 'Lightweight Airborne Recovery System'. It is a system used on the Pave Hawk to locate and recover survivors, especially in difficult terrain or under adverse conditions. The script mentions the LARS antenna as part of the helicopter's equipment, emphasizing its role in search and rescue missions.
💡GAU-2 Minigun
The GAU-2 Minigun is a type of rotary machine gun featured on the Pave Hawk. The script describes it as being operated by the special missions aviators and details its high rate of fire, which can reach up to 4,000 rounds per minute. This weapon system provides the Pave Hawk with defensive and offensive capabilities during its missions.
💡FRIES
FRIES stands for 'Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System'. It is a system of bars mounted on the ceiling of the Pave Hawk's cabin, used for rapid deployment of personnel to the ground via a fast rope. The script explains how the FRIES bar facilitates quick insertion or extraction of PJs in situations where landing the helicopter is not possible.
💡Hoist
A hoist is a hydraulically powered cable system used to lift personnel or equipment from the ground to the helicopter. The script describes the hoist's capabilities, including its cable length of 61 meters and weight limit of 272 kilograms, which enable the Pave Hawk to rescue survivors in various scenarios.
💡Chaff and Flare
Chaff and flare are countermeasures used to protect helicopters from heat-seeking missiles and radar-guided weapons. The script explains that the Pave Hawk is equipped with chaff and flare buckets that create a smoke-like cloud or fireworks effect to confuse enemy missiles, thereby enhancing the helicopter's survivability.
💡T-701c Engines
The T-701c engines are General Electric turboshaft engines that power the Pave Hawk helicopter. The script describes how these engines work, drawing in air, heating and compressing it to turn a central shaft, which in turn spins the main rotor blades. This type of engine is essential for providing the lift and power needed for helicopter flight.
💡Swashplate Assembly
The swashplate assembly is a mechanism in helicopters that links the pilot's controls to the rotor blades, allowing for changes in lift and direction. The script explains how the movement of the swashplate—up and down, and tilting from side to side—results in uneven lift across the rotor blades, enabling the helicopter to move in various directions.
💡Gyroscopic Precession
Gyroscopic precession is a phenomenon related to the rotation of a gyroscope, where an applied force does not produce an immediate change in the direction of rotation but instead results in a rotation about an axis 90 degrees from the applied force. The script discusses this concept in relation to helicopter flight, explaining how it affects the control inputs needed for the helicopter to move in the desired direction.
💡HH-60W Jolly Green II
The HH-60W Jolly Green II is the planned replacement for the Pave Hawk helicopter. The script mentions it as a future upgrade, offering improvements in electronics, fuel systems, engines, armor plating, and weapons systems. This new model is expected to build upon the capabilities of the Pave Hawk, ensuring continued effectiveness in its mission roles.
Highlights

The Pave Hawk is a specialized version of the Black Hawk helicopter, designed for combat and search and rescue missions.

Owned and operated by the United States Air Force, it has been in service since the 1980s.

The Pave Hawk's crew typically consists of four members: a pilot, a co-pilot, and two special missions aviators.

It is often accompanied by pararescuemen known as PJs during missions.

Pave Hawk helicopters are frequently deployed in pairs and have a connection with NASA for space launch support.

The helicopter has a global operational presence, including in the United States, Central America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Each Pave Hawk costs approximately 40 million US dollars and is equipped with advanced features such as main rotors, a fuselage, cockpit, cabin, and tail.

The Pave Hawk has an auxiliary fuel tank for extended flight range, unlike the regular Black Hawk.

It can refuel both on the ground and in-flight, utilizing an air refueling probe for the latter.

The helicopter is equipped with missile warning sensors and a radar warning receiver for enhanced safety during missions.

The Pave Hawk features a color weather radar for storm detection and avoidance, as well as a forward-looking infrared camera for nighttime visibility.

The Lightweight Airborne Recovery System (LARS) antenna aids in locating survivors during rescue operations.

The cockpit design includes crash-protective seats and a comprehensive array of controls for the pilot and co-pilot.

Mounted GAU-2 Miniguns on the Pave Hawk are operated by special missions aviators and can fire up to 4,000 rounds per minute.

The Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System (FRIES) and hoist system allow for rapid deployment and retrieval of personnel.

Chaff and flare buckets are used for countermeasures against heat-seeking missiles and enemy radar.

The Pave Hawk is powered by two General Electric T-701c turboshaft engines, providing the necessary lift and propulsion.

The helicopter's main rotors spin at a constant speed of 258 RPM, generating lift through blade pitch adjustments.

The swashplate assembly and tail rotors work together to control the helicopter's movement and yaw.

Gyroscopic precession is a critical concept for helicopter pilots to understand and compensate for during flight.

The Pave Hawk can be transported by folding its rotors and stabilator, fitting inside larger aircraft like the C-17.

The HH-60G Pave Hawk is set to be replaced by the HH-60W Jolly Green II, offering improvements in electronics, fuel system, engines, armor, and weapons.

Transcripts

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Pave HawkBlack HawkHelicopterUS Air ForceCombat RescueNASAAerial RefuelingFlight ControlsSearch and RescueMilitary Technology