What is a Pedro helicopter?

What is a Pedro helicopter?

A Blackhawk rescue helicopter deployed by the US Air Force which carries two miniguns (7.62 mm, six-barrelled machine gun that can fire 2,000 to 6,000 rounds per minute) and pararescue medics (”PJs”). Pedro refers to both the military rescue service and the helicopter itself.

What special forces are in the Air Force?

Air Force Special Warfare (AFSPECWAR) comprises ground combat forces that specialize in airpower application in hostile, denied and politically sensitive environments. AFSPECWAR enlisted specialties include Combat Control, Pararescue, Special Reconnaissance and Tactical Air Control Party (TACP).

What aircraft was used to perform combat search and rescue CSAR during the Vietnam War?

HH-43B
At the outset of the Vietnam War, the USAF’s primary rescue helicopter was the HH-43B “Huskie” manufactured by Kaman Aircraft, which had added a firefighting and better crash rescue capability to secure USAF orders.

Why are pararescue called Pedro?

When configured for jungle rescue, Pedro carried two pilots, a crew chief, and a PJ, plus the penetrator, a litter, a stretcher, and medical kits. The terms PJ and “pararescue jumper” were said to be derived by working backward from letter codes on an aircrew flight log, with “P” for parachutist and “J” for diver.

What does callsign Pedro mean?

It may therefor be quite possible that these crewmembers introduced the idea to use “Pedro” as permanent call-sign for the HH-43 in SEA. The first known use of the “Pedro” call-sign in the SEA War is dated 28 October 1965 and this was during a mission executed by two HH-43F assigned to Det.

What was the Jolly Green Giant in Vietnam?

Sikorsky HH-3E helicopter
The U.S. Air Force developed the Sikorsky HH-3E helicopter, nicknamed the “Jolly Green Giant,” to perform combat search and rescue (CSAR) to recover downed Airmen during the Southeast Asia War.

What was a sandy in Vietnam?

The bulk of its service took place between 1940 and 1980, during both the Korean and Vietnam wars. Skyraiders that accompanied HH-3E “Jolly Green Giant” rescue helicopters and provided air support for combat search-and-rescue missions were given the callsign “Sandy”.

What Callsigns do RAF use?

The most common callsigns of the Royal Air Force are RFR (RAFAIR) and RRR (ASCOT). The latter is used by RAF transport planes. The Royal Family flies as KRF (KITTYHAWK) or KRH (SPARROWHAWK).

What are the green helicopters for?

Air ambulance means any aircraft specifically constructed, modified, or equipped and used for the primary purpose of responding to emergency calls and transporting critically ill or injured patients whose medical flight crew has at a minimum two attendants certified or licensed in advanced life support.