Aircraft & UAVs

HH-60W Jolly Green II

The HH-60W Jolly Green II is Sikorsky's U.S.-built combat rescue helicopter for the Air Force, derived from the UH-60M Black Hawk and fitted with aerial refueling, defensive systems, armor, and rescue gear for hostile personnel-recovery missions.

Profile

Origin
United States
Built by
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Type
Combat rescue helicopter
Service note
2019-present
Designer
Sikorsky
Designed
2010-2014
Produced
2018-present
Developed from
UH-60M Black Hawk, HH-60G Pave Hawk

Also Known As

  • HH-60W
  • HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter
  • Combat Rescue Helicopter
  • Jolly Green II
  • Whiskey
helicoptercsarrescueair refuelingsurvivability

Specifications

Rotor diameter
53.6 feet (16.34 meters)
Length
64.7 feet (19.72 meters)
Height
16.7 feet (5.1 meters)
Operating weight
22,500 pounds (10,205.83 kilograms)
Speed
176 mph / 153 knots at sea level
Range
690 miles (599 nautical miles); air refuelable
Ceiling
20,000 feet (6,096 meters)
Armament
Two 7.62 mm miniguns or two .50-caliber machine guns

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service
U.S. Air Force combat rescue service since 2022; the type replaced the HH-60G Pave Hawk in the rescue role.
Used by
United States Air Force, Air Combat Command, Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Reserve Command, Air National Guard

Conflict Usage

Side
🏳️Unspecified

Exact model: HH-60W Jolly Green II. It made publicized overseas rescue/casualty-evacuation saves in the Horn of Africa after becoming combat-ready, and 2026 reporting states it was used in combat to retrieve a downed aircrew member in Iran.

Timeline

HH-60W Jolly Green II Key Events

  1. First flight

    The HH-60W made its first flight on May 17, 2019.

    Sources: Sikorsky HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter Achieves First Flight | Lockheed Martin

  2. First aircraft delivered to Moody

    The Air Force received its first two HH-60W helicopters at Moody Air Force Base, beginning the transition from the HH-60G Pave Hawk.

    Sources: USAF’s first HH-60W Jolly Green II arrives at Moody AFB | United States Air Force

  3. First rescue mission

    Moody Air Force Base reported the HH-60W's first rescue mission with the 38th and 41st Rescue Squadrons.

    Sources: HH-60W Jolly Green II | Davis-Monthan AFB

  4. First publicized Horn of Africa save

    USAFE-AFAFRICA reported HH-60W crews saved two partner-force members in the Horn of Africa during the type's first real-world CASEVAC operation there.

    Sources: Rescue force successfully saves two in first HH-60W combat CASEVAC in Africa AOR | U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa

  5. Iran rescue reporting

    Breaking Defense reported the HH-60W was used in combat to recover a downed F-15 pilot in Iran, drawing renewed attention to the fleet.

    Sources: The HH-60W helped rescue a pilot in Iran. Here’s why the Air Force might not buy more. - Breaking Defense

HH-60W Jolly Green II Images

Related Weapon Systems

AH-60L Arpia, Armed utility / attack helicopter, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsAH-60L ArpiaArmed utility / attack helicopterThe AH-60L Arpia is Colombia's locally developed armed Black Hawk family, converting UH-60L and related Black Hawk airframes into attack and escort helicopters with stub wings, machine-gun pods, rocket launchers, and later Spike missiles. Colombian Air Force reporting places the first Arpia mission in January 1996 and describes the program as evolving through Arpia I-IV to give the service a fast, highly maneuverable fire-support platform.

Sources