The Sikorsky MH-60/HH-60 Pave Hawk is a four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift utility military helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. The HH-60 Pave Hawk and its successor the HH-60W Jolly Green II are combat rescue helicopters, though in practice they often served in humanitarian and peacetime disaster rescue. It is a derivative of the UH-60 Black Hawk and incorporates the US Air Force PAVE electronic systems program. The HH-60 is a member of the Sikorsky S-70 family.

In 1981, after acquiring several UH-60s, the Air Force began upgrading each with an air refueling probe and additional fuel tanks in the cabin. 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 helicopters were then allocated to special operations use. In 1991, these search and rescue Pave Hawks were redesigned as HH-60G.

Service History

The displayed HH-60G Pave Hawk was manufactured in 1990 with construction number 70-1551. It was accepted by the U.S. Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) and registered as 90-26227 the next year. During the 1990s, 90-26227 or commonly known as 227 was a workhorse for AFRC and supported Operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch, and training missions in South America. In support of the Global War on Terror (GWT), it was flown heavily during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. In 2005, 227, assigned to the 305^th Rescue Squadron, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, was the helicopter utilized for the rescue and transport of Navy Seal Marcus Lutrell, “Lone Survivor” of Operation Red Wings. Additionally, 227 was flown in support of natural disasters around the world. It was retired in April 2025 and loaned to the Pima Air & Space Museum to exhibit.     

Manufacturer
Sikorsky

Designation
HH-60G

Markings
U.S. Air Force Reserve Command

Serial Number
90-26227