Sikorsky Sikorsky HH-3E 'Jolly Green Giant'

27 Feb 2026 · © Unknown

Photo taken in an indoor aviation museum exhibit with dramatic blue lighting. The large radar nose, side sponsons, and distinct camouflage confirm the HH-3E configuration.

2 likes 0 comments

Comments (0)

No comments yet.

More like this

McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F-15D Eagle

Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) C-17A Globemaster III

Boeing (left - KC-135), Rockwell (right - B-1) KC-135 Stratotanker (left) and B-1B Lancer (right)

Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk (MEDEVAC / HH-60 variant)

Aircraft

Sikorsky HH-3E 'Jolly Green Giant' HH-3E

US Air Force rescue (military camouflage)

Airline

United States Air Force (USAF)

Manufacturer

Sikorsky

Insights

Aviation History

The Sikorsky HH-3E 'Jolly Green Giant' was a key USAF combat search and rescue helicopter used extensively during the Vietnam War and later in peacetime and conflicts through the 1990s.

Fleet Rarity

All HH-3Es were retired in the 1990s; only museum examples remain.

Record Flights

Famous for long-range rescue ops in Vietnam and for notable rescue missions such as the 1970 Son Tay Raid (POW rescue attempt), and Operation Frequent Wind (Saigon evacuation).

Safety & Events

Involved in many daring and decorated rescue missions, resulting in multiple crews receiving the Air Force Cross and Medal of Honor.

Future Outlook

Preserved in museums; none flying.

Specifications

2 × General Electric T58-GE-5 turboshaft

Engine

18.90 m (rotor diameter)

Wingspan

22.17 m

Length

1,830 km with drop tanks

Range

248 km/h

Speed

Up to 25 troops or 15 stretchers (medevac) or rescue crew configuration

Capacity

10,183 kg

MTOW

5.13 m

Height

1,400 shp (1,040 kW) each (turboshaft; not thrust, but shaft horsepower)

Thrust

N/A for military helicopters, not ICAO rated

Noise

Exact airframe registration not visible; details based on standard HH-3E specs and museum display context.