GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

MH-53J Pave Low III vs SH-3 Sea King

MH-53J Pave Low III vs SH-3 Sea King at a glance — top speed 310 vs 267 km/h, range 1,100 vs 1,005 km, max takeoff weight 20,865 vs 10,002 kg, built 41 vs 1,300 units.

Sikorsky MH-53J Pave Low III military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MH-53J Pave Low III
Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 SH-3 Sea King
Specifications
MH-53J Pave Low III SH-3 Sea King
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Sikorsky Sikorsky
First flight -- 11 March 1959
Year introduced 1988 1961
Number produced 41 units 1300 units
Average unit price -- $25 million
Wing area 378.4 m² -- m²
Wingspan 22.0 m 19.0 m
Height 7.6 m 5.1 m
Length 27.0 m 16.7 m
Maximum speed 310 km/h 267 km/h
Operational range 1,100 km 1,005 km
Service ceiling 4,900 m 4,481 m
Max. takeoff weight 20,865 kg 10,002 kg
Empty weight 14,515 kg 5,382 kg
Total thrust 2 x 3,230 kW 2 x 1,044 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
Related Comparisons
SH-3 Sea King vs SA321 Super Frelon MH-53J Pave Low III vs Mi-17 Hip-H MH-53J Pave Low III vs UH-60 Black Hawk MH-53J Pave Low III vs Mi-24 Hind MH-53J Pave Low III vs AH-64 Apache MH-53J Pave Low III vs OH-58 Kiowa

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MH-53J Pave Low III or SH-3 Sea King?
The MH-53J Pave Low III is faster with a maximum speed of 310 km/h compared to the SH-3 Sea King's 267 km/h, a difference of 43 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MH-53J Pave Low III or SH-3 Sea King?
The MH-53J Pave Low III has a longer range at 1,100 km compared to the SH-3 Sea King's 1,005 km.
Which can fly higher, the MH-53J Pave Low III or SH-3 Sea King?
The MH-53J Pave Low III has a higher service ceiling at 4,900 meters (16,076 ft) compared to the SH-3 Sea King's 4,481 meters (14,701 ft).
Which is heavier, the MH-53J Pave Low III or SH-3 Sea King?
The MH-53J Pave Low III has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 20,865 kg compared to the SH-3 Sea King's 10,002 kg.
Which is larger, the MH-53J Pave Low III or SH-3 Sea King?
The MH-53J Pave Low III is longer at 27.0 meters compared to the SH-3 Sea King's 16.7 meters.
Which entered service first, the MH-53J Pave Low III or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King entered service first in 1961, 27 years before the MH-53J Pave Low III which entered service in 1988.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MH-53J Pave Low III or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King has been produced in greater numbers with 1,300 units compared to 41 units of the MH-53J Pave Low III.