Current as of January 05, 2026
MISSION
The primary mission of the HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter is combat search and rescue (CSAR). HH-60Ws also execute personnel recovery missions across the spectrum of conflict in all-weather conditions. Additionally, they perform military operations other than war, such as civil search and rescue, medical evacuation, disaster response, humanitarian assistance, security cooperation/aviation advisory, NASA space flight support and rescue command and control.
FEATURES
The Jolly Green II is a purpose-designed and built version of the Black Hawk helicopter featuring state-of-the-art communications and navigation systems. These upgrades include enhanced inertial navigation/global positioning navigation systems, satellite communications, secure voice and data link capabilities.
All HH-60Ws have a flight management system, coupled flight capabilities via a flight director system, night-vision-goggle-compatible lighting and an electro-optical/infrared camera to enhance low-level operations. Additionally, the Jolly Green II has color weather radar and both engine and rotor blade anti-ice systems, providing the HH-60W with adverse weather capability.
The Jolly Green II's mission equipment includes an in-flight refueling probe, an upgraded main fuel tank, two crew-served 7.62mm or .50-caliber machine guns and an 8,000-pound-capacity cargo hook. To improve air transportability and shipboard operations, all HH-60Ws have folding rotor blades.
The Jolly Green II's combat enhancements include missile, radar and laser warning receivers tied to an automatic flare/chaff countermeasure dispensing system. HH-60W rescue equipment includes a 600-pound-capable hoist with 250 feet of cable and a personnel locating system compatible with modern survival radios. The Jolly Green II is also equipped with an over-the-horizon tactical data receiver capable of receiving near-real-time mission and threat update information.
BACKGROUND
In 2010, the Air Force announced the requirement to replace its aging analog medium-lift HH-60G Pave Hawks. The new aircraft would have to be equal to or better than the currently fielded Pave Hawks. In 2014, the Air Force awarded the replacement contract to Sikorsky-Lockheed Martin to manufacture the next-generation CSAR aircraft, designated the HH-60W. In February 2020, the aircraft was officially named “Jolly Green II,” honoring the HH-3 “Jolly Green” and HH-53 “Super Jolly Green” Vietnam-era aircraft. The Air Force concluded Initial Operational Testing and Evaluation (IOT&E) in October 2022.
The Jolly Green II is currently operated by Air Combat Command, Air Education and Training Command, Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command. The last Pave Hawks will be retired by the end of fiscal year 2026.
Today, the Jolly Green II is deployed globally, where it is tasked to support American, coalition and foreign national personnel by conducting personnel recovery and medical evacuation missions under low-visibility, low-illumination conditions at all altitudes.