Sikorsky HH-3E Jolly Green Giant

The Sikorsky HH-3E, famously known as the 'Jolly Green Giant,' is an iconic symbol of courage and daring rescues during the Vietnam War. This twin-engine, heavy-duty helicopter was specifically designed for search and rescue (SAR) missions, particularly combat search and rescue (CSAR) operations. With its distinctive green paint scheme, designed to camouflage it in the jungles of Vietnam, the Jolly Green Giant was a beacon of hope for downed pilots and stranded soldiers from the late 1960s through the 1970s. Equipped with armor plating, self-sealing fuel tanks, and a retractable in-flight refueling probe, the HH-3E could venture deep into enemy territory to retrieve personnel. Its operational legacy includes daring rescues under heavy fire, showcasing the bravery and skill of its crews. The Jolly Green Giant also served in peacetime SAR missions, demonstrating its versatility and reliability as a rescue aircraft.