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 Southeast Asia under the nickname "Jolly Green Giant."
USAF variants served in numerous air rescue squadrons and aerospace rescue and recovery squadons of the Military Airlift Command (MAC), rescue squadrons of the Air Combat Command (ACC) and other USAF major commands world-wide. The aircraft was also used by a number of Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard rescue squadrons. All USAF HH-3Es, to include Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard, were retired in the 1990s and replaced by the current HH-60G Pavehawk.
CH/HH-3 Jolly Green Giant HH-3F Pelican 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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