MH-60 Seahawk

MH-60 Seahawk. The MH-60 Seahawk is a twin-turboshaft, multi-mission naval helicopter developed by Sikorsky Aircraft and derived from the UH-60 Black Hawk. It serves as the cornerstone of United States Navy rotary-wing aviation, performing critical roles including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, naval special warfare support, and combat search and rescue. The designation "MH-60" encompasses the two primary modern variants, the MH-60R and MH-60S, which have replaced several older models in the H-60 family operated by the U.S. Navy and allied fleets worldwide.

Development and variants

The Seahawk's lineage began with the United States Navy's Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) Mk III competition, which Sikorsky Aircraft won in 1977 with its S-70B design, leading to the SH-60B Seahawk. This platform entered service in 1984 with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 41 to provide frigates, destroyers, and cruisers with extended sensor and weapon reach. Subsequent variants were developed for specific carrier-based roles: the SH-60F Seahawk for inner-zone anti-submarine warfare around the aircraft carrier, and the HH-60H Seahawk for combat search and rescue and special operations support. The early 21st century saw a major consolidation and upgrade program resulting in the two modern MH-60 models. The MH-60R Seahawk, developed under the Romeo program, merged and enhanced the capabilities of the SH-60B and SH-60F. Concurrently, the MH-60S Seahawk, or Knighthawk, was developed from the UH-60 Black Hawk airframe to replace the Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight in the vertical replenishment and airborne mine countermeasures roles.

Design and features

Based on the robust Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk airframe, the Seahawk incorporates extensive modifications for maritime operations. Key features include corrosion-resistant materials, folding rotor blades and a hinged tail for compact storage aboard ships, and wheeled landing gear. The MH-60R Seahawk is equipped with a sophisticated mission system built around the AN/AQS-22 Airborne Low Frequency Sonar, an AN/APY-10 multi-mode radar, and an AN/ALQ-210 electronic support measures suite. Its weapon stations can carry AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, Mk 54 torpedoes, and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System rockets. The MH-60S Seahawk features a larger, rear-loading cabin compatible with the Cargo hook and is often configured with a Raytheon-built AN/AES-1 Airborne Laser Mine Detection System or a Boeing-supplied Airborne Mine Neutralization System. Both variants are powered by twin General Electric T700 turboshaft engines and feature glass cockpits with multi-function displays.

Operational history

Seahawks have been integral to United States Navy operations since the Cold War, conducting surveillance and anti-submarine warfare patrols against Soviet Navy forces. They saw extensive service during the Gulf War, supporting Operation Desert Storm with surface surveillance and search and rescue. During the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War, MH-60S and HH-60H helicopters were heavily utilized for vertical replenishment, medical evacuation, and naval special warfare missions, including direct action raids by SEAL Team Six. The modern MH-60R achieved initial operational capability in 2006 and has since deployed globally with Carrier Strike Groups, participating in exercises like Rim of the Pacific and real-world missions intercepting narcotics shipments in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean. The type has also been involved in humanitarian missions, such as disaster relief after Hurricane Katrina and the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.

Operators

The primary operator is the United States Navy, which fields over 500 MH-60R and MH-60S aircraft across its fleet. The MH-60R Seahawk has been selected by several allied nations through the Foreign Military Sales program. Major operators include the Royal Australian Navy, which operates them from its Hobart-class destroyers and Anzac-class frigates; the Royal Danish Navy, which bases them on its Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates; and the Royal Saudi Naval Forces as part of the Saudi Arabian arms deal. Other operators are the Republic of Korea Navy, the Hellenic Navy, and the Indian Navy, which flies them from its Rajput-class destroyers and Talwar-class frigates. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force locally produces a derivative, the Mitsubishi SH-60.

Specifications (MH-60R)

* **Crew:** 3–4 (Pilot, Co-pilot/Tactical Officer, 1–2 Sensor Operators) * **Length:** 64 ft 10 in (19.76 m) * **Height:** 17 ft 2 in (5.23 m) * **Rotor diameter:** 53 ft 8 in (16.36 m) * **Empty weight:** 15,200 lb (6,895 kg) * **Max takeoff weight:** 23,500 lb (10,660 kg) * **Powerplant:** 2 × General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines, 1,900 shp (1,400 kW) each * **Maximum speed:** 180 kn (207 mph, 333 km/h) * **Range:** 450 nmi (518 mi, 834 km) * **Service ceiling:** 12,000 ft (3,660 m) * **Armament:** Can include AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, Mk 54 torpedoes, M240 or GAU-21 door guns.

Category:Military helicopters Category:United States Navy aircraft Category:Sikorsky aircraft