PAVE LOW Meaning and
Definition
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Pave Low is a term that refers to special operations helicopters utilized by the United States military, specifically the U.S. Air Force. The term "pave" stands for the Precision Avionics Vectoring Equipment, which is a series of advanced avionics systems incorporated into the aircraft. The "low" part of the term indicates the helicopters' ability to fly at low altitudes and in diverse terrain conditions.
Pave Low helicopters are designed primarily for long-range, night-time, and adverse weather operations. They are equipped with sophisticated navigational aids, terrain-following radar, and infrared sensors, enabling them to operate in low visibility conditions. Additionally, they possess defensive systems such as radar jamming equipment and suppressive countermeasures to enhance survival in hostile environments.
These helicopters are integral to special operations as they provide the capability for infiltration and exfiltration of personnel, often operating in conjunction with ground troops. They are adept at conducting precise search and rescue missions, as well as providing close air support. Often armed with machine guns and rockets, the Pave Low helicopters serve as versatile combat platforms as well.
The Pave Low fleet has been gradually replaced by the more advanced CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft in recent years. Nevertheless, Pave Low helicopters played a significant role in various conflicts and military operations, such as the Gulf War and Operation Enduring Freedom, demonstrating their substantial impact on special operations capabilities.
Common Misspellings for PAVE LOW
- oave low
- lave low
- -ave low
- 0ave low
- pzve low
- psve low
- pwve low
- pqve low
- pace low
- pabe low
- page low
- pafe low
- pavw low
- pavs low
- pavd low
- pavr low
- pav4 low
- pav3 low
- pave kow
- pave pow
Etymology of PAVE LOW
The term "Pave Low" originated as a nickname for a specific variant of the MH-53 helicopter used by the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. The MH-53 is a large, long-range, and heavy-lift helicopter primarily used for special operations and combat search and rescue missions.
The term "Pave" in "Pave Low" refers to the forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor system equipped on these helicopters. The FLIR system, which allowed for night vision and target acquisition, was known as the Pave Tack targeting system. The "Low" in "Pave Low" refers to the low-altitude flight capabilities of the MH-53, which made it suitable for operations in rugged or challenging terrain.
Over time, "Pave Low" became the common name associated with these MH-53 helicopters, and it continued to be used even after subsequent upgrades and variants were introduced.
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