The Sikorsky MH-53 Pave Low is a conventional, long-range helicopter with twin turbo shaft engines and self lubricating, all-metal main and tail rotors.

The helicopter has a flight crew of two pilots and navigator, plus two Para rescue technicians (PJs) for rescue and special operations.

The H-53 series began with the first flight of a US Marine Corps YCH-53A prototype on October 14, 1964 , the first deliveries began in May 1966 to the operation units.

The MH-53J Pave Low III helicopter was converted for special operations at night and in adverse weather. The helicopter has an aerial refuelling probe and is equipped with inertial navigation system, stabilized FLIR, Doppler navigation equipment, a computer projected map display and radar in offset thimble fairing on the nose. The MH-53J can carry three 7.62 mm mini guns operated from its door positions.

On a night insertion/extraction or combat rescue mission the MH-53J when conducting one third of the mission at altitude below 300 m cruises at 277 km/h and carries special operations personnel, rescue personnel or equipment weighing up to 3630 kg. The MH-53J can be refuelled in flight or at designated ground waypoints, or can carry out such a mission to a radius of about 180 km un-refuelled.