Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk: Difference between revisions
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*[[Brazilian Navy]] ordered 4 S-70B Seahawks in 2009 to replace its older helicopters beginning in 2012.<ref>[http://www.airforcesmonthly.com/view_news.asp?ID=1342 "Brazil is to get four S-70B helicopters"]. AirForces Monthly, 29 December 2009.</ref><ref>[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Brazil-Buys-Naval-Seahawks-Penguins-06071/ "Brazil Buys Naval Seahawks, Penguins"]. Defense Industry Daily, 6 January 2010.</ref> Two more S-70Bs requested in 2011.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://br.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idBRSPE75J0E520110620 | work=Reuters | title=Marinha faz acordo para compra de helicópteros--empresa | date=20 June 2011}}</ref> |
*[[Brazilian Navy]] ordered 4 S-70B Seahawks in 2009 to replace its older helicopters beginning in 2012.<ref>[http://www.airforcesmonthly.com/view_news.asp?ID=1342 "Brazil is to get four S-70B helicopters"]. AirForces Monthly, 29 December 2009.</ref><ref>[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Brazil-Buys-Naval-Seahawks-Penguins-06071/ "Brazil Buys Naval Seahawks, Penguins"]. Defense Industry Daily, 6 January 2010.</ref> Two more S-70Bs requested in 2011.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://br.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idBRSPE75J0E520110620 | work=Reuters | title=Marinha faz acordo para compra de helicópteros--empresa | date=20 June 2011}}</ref> |
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*[[Danish Navy]] officially ordered 9 MH-60R Seahawks on December 6, 2012. All are to be delivered by 2018.<ref>[http://www.deagel.com/news/Denmark-Signs-Letter-of-Offer-and-Acceptance-for-Nine-MH-60R-Seahawk-Helicopters_n000011029.aspx Denmark Signs Letter of Offer and Acceptance for Nine MH-60R Seahawk Helicopters] - Deagel.com, December 6, 2012</ref> |
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*[[Hellenic Navy]] received 11 S-70B-6 Aegean Hawks,<ref>Leoni 2007, pp. 274-277.</ref> and had 8 S-70Bs in service as of January 2011.<ref name= 2011_Aerospace/> |
*[[Hellenic Navy]] received 11 S-70B-6 Aegean Hawks,<ref>Leoni 2007, pp. 274-277.</ref> and had 8 S-70Bs in service as of January 2011.<ref name= 2011_Aerospace/> |
Revision as of 19:53, 7 December 2012
SH-60 / HH-60H / MH-60 Seahawk | |
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![]() | |
U.S. Navy SH-60B preparing to land on USS Kitty Hawk. | |
Role | Multimission maritime helicopter |
Manufacturer | Sikorsky Aircraft |
First flight | 12 December 1979 |
Introduction | 1984 |
Status | In service |
Primary user | United States Navy |
Produced | 1970s–present |
Developed from | Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk |
Variants | Sikorsky HH-60 Jayhawk Mitsubishi SH-60 |
The Sikorsky SH-60/MH-60 Seahawk (or Sea Hawk) is a twin turboshaft engine, multi-mission United States Navy helicopter based on the United States Army UH-60 Black Hawk and a member of the Sikorsky S-70 family. The most significant airframe modification is a hinged tail to reduce its footprint aboard ships.
The U.S. Navy uses the H-60 airframe under the model designations SH-60B, SH-60F, HH-60H, MH-60R, and MH-60S. Able to deploy aboard any air-capable frigate, destroyer, cruiser, fast combat support ship, amphibious assault ship, or aircraft carrier, the Seahawk can handle anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), naval special warfare (NSW) insertion, search and rescue (SAR), combat search and rescue (CSAR), vertical replenishment (VERTREP), and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC). All Navy H-60s carry a rescue hoist for SAR/CSAR missions.
Design and development
Origins
During the 1970s the U.S. Navy began looking for new helicopter to replace the Kaman SH-2 Seasprite.[1] The SH-2 Seasprite was used by the Navy as its platform for the Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) Mark I avionics suite for the maritime warfare and a secondary search and rescue capability. Advances in sensor and avionic technology lead to LAMPS Mk II suite, but the SH-2 was not large enough to carry the Navy's required equipment. In the mid-1970s the Army was evaluating of the Sikorsky YUH-60 and Boeing-Vertol YUH-61 for its Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) competition.[2]
The Navy based its requirements on the Army's UTTAS specification to decrease costs from commonality.[1] Sikorsky and Boeing-Vertol submitted proposals for Navy versions of their Army UTTAS helicopters in April 1977 for review. The Navy also looked at helicopters being produced by Bell, Kaman, Westland and MBB, but these were too small for the mission. In early 1978 the Navy selected Sikorsky's S-70B design,[1] which was designated "SH-60B Seahawk".
SH-60B Seahawk
The SH-60B maintained 83% commonality with the UH-60A.[3] The main changes made included corrosion protection, more powerful T700 engines, single-stage oleo main landing gear, replacing left side door with fuselage structure, adding two weapon pylons, and shifting the tail landing gear 13 feet (3.96 m) forward to reduce the footprint for shipboard landing. Other changes included larger fuel cells, an electric blade folding system, folding horizontal stabilators for storage, and adding a 25-tube pneumatic sonobuoy launcher on left side.[4] An emergency flotation system was also installed in the stub wing fairings of the main landing gear on both sides of the aircraft.[citation needed]
Five YSH-60B Seahawk LAMPS III prototypes were ordered. The first flight of a YSH-60B occurred on 12 December 1979. The first production version SH-60B achieved its first flight on 11 February 1983. The SH-60B entered operational service in 1984 with first operational deployment in 1985.[2]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/MARSOC_Helicopter_exercise.jpg/220px-MARSOC_Helicopter_exercise.jpg)
The SH-60B LAMPS Mk III is deployed primarily aboard frigates, destroyers, and cruisers. The primary missions of the SH-60B are surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare.
The SH-60B carries a complex system of sensors including a towed Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) and air-launched sonobuoys. Other sensors include the APS-124 search radar, ALQ-142 ESM system and optional nose-mounted forward looking infrared (FLIR) turret. It carries the Mk 46, Mk 50, or Mk 54 torpedo, AGM-114 Hellfire missile, and a single cabin-door-mounted M60D/M240 7.62 mm (0.30 in) machine gun or GAU-16 .50 in (12.7 mm) machine gun.
A standard crew for a SH-60B is one pilot, one ATO/Co-Pilot (Airborne Tactical Officer), and an enlisted aviation warfare systems operator (sensor operator). Operating squadrons are designated Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron, Light (HSL).
The SH-60J is a version of the SH-60B for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The SH-60K is a modified version of the SH-60J. The SH-60J and SH-60K are built under license by Mitsubishi in Japan.[5][6]
SH-60F Seahawk
After the SH-60B entered service, the Navy began development of the SH-60F to replace the SH-3 Sea King.[7] Development of this variant began with the award of a contract to Sikorsky in March 1985. An early-model SH-60B was modified to serve as a SH-60F prototype. The company was contracted to produce seven SH-60Fs in January 1986 and the first example flew on 19 March 1987.[8]
The SH-60F primarily serves as the carrier battle group's primary antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft. The helicopter hunts submarines with its AN/AQS-13F dipping sonar, and carries a 6-tube sonobuoy launcher. The SH-60F is unofficially named "Oceanhawk".[8] The SH-60F can carry Mk 46 torpedoes, Mk 50 torpedoes, or Mk 54 torpedoes for its offensive weapons, and it has a choice of fuselage-mounted machine guns, including the M60D, M240D, and GAU-16 (.50 caliber) for self-defense. The standard aircrew consists of one pilot, one co-pilot, one tactical sensor operator (TSO), and one acoustic sensor operator (ASO).
HH-60H Seahawk
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0d/SH-60_Seahawk.jpg/220px-SH-60_Seahawk.jpg)
The HH-60H was developed beginning in September 1986 with a contract for the first five helicopters. The variant's first flight occurred on 17 August 1988. The HH-60H was developed in conjunction with the US Coast Guard's HH-60J. Deliveries of the HH-60H began in 1989. The variant earned initial operating capability in April 1990.[8] The HH-60H's official DoD and Sikorsky name is Seahawk, though it has been called "Rescue Hawk".[9]
Based on the SH-60F, the HH-60H is the primary combat search and rescue (CSAR), naval special warfare (NSW) and anti-surface warfare (ASUW) helicopter. It carries a variety of defensive and offensive sensors making it one of the most survivable helicopters in the world. Sensors include a FLIR turret with laser designator and the Aircraft Survival Equipment (ASE) package including the ALQ-144 Infrared Jammer, AVR-2 Laser Detectors, APR-39(V)2 Radar Detectors, AAR-47 Missile Launch Detectors and ALE-47 chaff/flare dispensers. Additionally, airframe improvements in engine exhaust deflectors provide infrared thermal reduction reducing the threat of heat-seeking missiles. The HH-60H can carry up to four AGM-114 Hellfire missiles on an extended wing using the M299 launcher and a variety of cabin and port window mounted guns including M60D, M240, GAU-16 and GAU-17/A machine guns.
The HH-60H's standard crew is pilot, copilot, an enlisted crew chief, and two door gunners. The HH-60H is operated by Helicopter Antisubmarine (HS) squadrons with a standard dispersal of four F-models and three H-models. In Iraq, HH-60Hs were used by the Navy, assisting the Army, for MEDEVAC purposes and special operations missions.[citation needed] As the Navy transitions its Helicopter Antisubmarine (HS) squadrons to the MH-60S, remaining HH-60Hs are being transferred to its East and West coast special operations squadrons (HSC-84 and HSC-85, respectively).
MH-60S "Knighthawk"
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6c/US_Navy_090414-F-4455C-004_An_MH-60S_Sea_Hawk_helicopter_carries_one_of_the_333_loads_of_cargo_from_the_Military_Sealift_Command_hospital_ship_USNS_Comfort_%28T-AH_20%29_as_the_ship_is_anchored_offshore_near_Port-Au-Prince.jpg/220px-thumbnail.jpg)
The Navy decided to replace its venerable CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters in 1997. After sea demonstrations by a converted UH-60, the Navy awarded production contract for the CH-60S in 1998. The variant first flew in 27 January 2000 and it began flight testing later that year. The CH-60S was redesignated MH-60S in February 2001 to reflect its planned multi-mission use.[10]
The MH-60S is based on the UH-60L and has many naval SH-60 features.[11] Unlike all other Navy H-60s, the MH-60S is not based on the original S-70B/SH-60B platform with its forward-mounted twin tail-gear and single starboard sliding cabin door. Instead, the S-model is a hybrid, featuring the main fuselage of the S-70A/UH-60, with large sliding doors on both sides of the cabin and a single aft-mounted tail wheel; and the engines, drivetrain and rotors of the S-70B/SH-60.[12]
It is deployed aboard amphibious assault ships and fast combat supply ships. It has two missions: troop transport and vertical replenishment (VERTREP), but can also perform search and rescue (SAR). The MH-60S is to deploy with the AQS-20A Mine Detection System and an Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) for identifying submerged objects in coastal waters. The S-model is the first US Navy helicopter to field the glass cockpit whereby the flight data information is relayed to pilots using four digital screens rather than electromechanical gauges and dials. The primary means of defense is with the M60D, M240 or GAU-17/A machine guns. A "batwing" refit (Armed Helo Kit) based on the Army's UH-60L was developed to accommodate Hellfire, Hydra 70 2.75 inch rockets, or larger guns. The MH-60S can be equipped with a nose mounted forward looking infrared (FLIR) turret to be used in conjunction with the Hellfire missiles and also carries the ALQ-144 Infrared Jammer.
The MH-60S is unofficially known as the "Knighthawk", reflecting its role as the designated successor of the Sea Knight, though this name was formally disapproved in favor of the "Seahawk" name.[13][14] Pilots note the differences between the MH-60S and SH-60.[15] A standard crew for the "Knighthawk" is one pilot, one copilot and two others depending on mission. With the retirement of the Sea Knight, the squadron designation of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) was also retired from the Navy. Operating MH-60S squadrons were re-designated Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC).[16]
MH-60R Seahawk
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c5/MH-60R.jpg/220px-MH-60R.jpg)
The MH-60R was originally referred to as "LAMPS Mark III Block II Upgrade" when it began development in 1993. Two SH-60Bs were converted by Sikorsky for the project. The first modified SH-60 made its maiden flight on 22 December 1999. These conversions, designated YSH-60R, were delivered to NAS Patuxent River in 2001 for flight testing. The production variant was redesignated MH-60R to match its multi-mission capability.[17]
The MH-60R is designed to combine the features of the SH-60B and SH-60F.[18] Its sensors include the ASE package, MTS-FLIR, the AN/APS-147 multi-mode radar/IFF interrogator,[19] an advanced airborne fleet data link, and a more advanced airborne active sonar. It does not carry the MAD suite. Pilot instrumentation will be based on the MH-60S's glass cockpit, using several digital monitors instead of the complex array of dials and gauges in Bravo and Foxtrot aircraft. Offensive capabilities are improved by the addition of new Mk-54 air-launched torpedoes and Hellfire missiles. All Helicopter Anti-Submarine (HS) and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light (HSL) squadrons that receive the Romeo will be redesignated Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) squadrons.[16]
During a mid-life technology insertion project, the navy will upgrade the radar capability of the MH-60R fleet to the AN/APS-153 Multi-Mode Radar with Automatic Radar Periscope Detection and Discrimination (ARPDD) capability.[20]
Operational history
U.S. Navy
The Navy received the first production SH-60B in February 1983 and assigned it to squadron HSL-41.[21][22] The helicopter entered service in 1984,[23] and began its first deployment in 1985.[21]
![]() | This section needs expansion with: fill in operational use and combat action. You can help by adding to it. (April 2010) |
The SH-60F entered operational service on 22 June 1989 with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 10 (HS-10) at NAS North Island.[10] SH-60F squadrons will shift from the SH-60F to the MH-60S beginning in 2009, they will be redesignated Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC).[24]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/24/US_Navy_120102-N-DR144-050_An_MH-60S_Knight_Hawk_assigned_to_Helicopter_Sea_Combat_Squadron_%28HSC%29_23_passes_the_Arleigh_Burke-class_guided-missile.jpg/220px-US_Navy_120102-N-DR144-050_An_MH-60S_Knight_Hawk_assigned_to_Helicopter_Sea_Combat_Squadron_%28HSC%29_23_passes_the_Arleigh_Burke-class_guided-missile.jpg)
As one of the two squadrons in the US Navy dedicated to Naval Special Warfare support and combat search and rescue preeminent, the HCS-5 Firehawks squadron deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003. The squadron completed 900 combat air missions and over 1,700 combat flight hours. The majority of their flights in the Iraqi theater supported special operations ground forces missions.[citation needed]
The Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), HSM-41, received the MH-60R aircraft in December 2005 and has begun training the first set of pilots. In 2007, the R-model successfully underwent final testing for incorporation into the fleet. As of August 2008, the first 11 combat-ready examples equipped HSM-71, a squadron assigned to the USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74). According to Lockheed Martin, "secondary missions include search and rescue, vertical replenishment, naval surface fire support, logistics support, personnel transport, medical evacuation and communications and data relay."[25]
Other and potential users
Spain ordered 12 S-70B Seahawks for its Navy.[26] Spain requested six refurbished SH-60Fs through a Foreign Military Sale in September 2010.[27][28]
Australia requested approval to buy 24 MH-60Rs through a Foreign Military Sale in July 2010.[29] The MH-60R and the NHIndustries NH90 were evaluated by the Royal Australian Navy. On 16 June 2011 it was announced that Australia would purchase 24 of the MH-60R variant, to come in to service between 2014 to 2020.[30] The helicopter selected is to replace older Seahawks currently in service.[31][32]
Similarly the Royal Danish Navy (RDN) have the MH-60R on a short list for a requirement of around 12 new naval helicopters, together with the NH90/NFH, H-92, AW159 and AW101. The Request For Proposal was issued on 30 September 2010.[33] In November 2010, Denmark requested approval for a possible purchase of 12 MH-60Rs through a Foreign Military Sale.[34][35] In November 2012, Denmark confimed the selection of the MH-60Rs to replace its aging Lynx helicopters.[36]
In July 2009, the Republic of Korea requested eight MH-60S helicopters, 16 GE T700-401C engines, and related sensor systems to be sold in a Foreign Military Sale.[37] In July 2010 Tunisia requested 12 refurbished SH-60Fs through a Foreign Military Sale.[38] But the change in government there in January 2011 may interfere with an order.[39]
In February 2011, India rejected the possible Foreign Military Sale of 16 MH-60Rs. Instead, India is considering the S-70B and the NHIndustries NH90 for an acquisition of 16 multirole helicopters for the Indian Navy to replace its aging Westland Sea King fleet.[40]
In 2011 Qatar requested a potential Foreign Military Sale of up to 6 MH-60R helicopters, engines and other associated equipment.[41] In late June 2012, Qatar requested another 22 Seahawks, 12 fitted with the armed helicopter modification kit and T700-401C engines with an option to purchase an additional six Seahawks and more engines.[42][43]
Variants
US versions
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d8/US_Navy_Helo_Master_Plan.jpg/300px-US_Navy_Helo_Master_Plan.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/US_Navy_080825-N-5710P-001_Members_of_Combined_Joint_Special_Operations_Air_Component_conduct_night_operations..jpg/220px-US_Navy_080825-N-5710P-001_Members_of_Combined_Joint_Special_Operations_Air_Component_conduct_night_operations..jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/43/166563-MH-60R-1691.jpg/220px-166563-MH-60R-1691.jpg)
- YSH-60B Seahawk: Developmental version, led to SH-60B; five built.[44]
- SH-60B Seahawk: Anti-submarine warfare helicopter, equipped with an APS-124 search radar and an ALQ-142 ESM system under the nose, also fitted with a 25-tube sonobuoy launcher on the left side and modified landing gear; 181 built for the US Navy.
- NSH-60B Seahawk: Permanently configured for flight testing.[44]
- CH-60E: Proposed troop transport version for the US Marine Corps. Not built.[45]
- SH-60F "Oceanhawk" Carrier-borne anti-submarine warfare helicopter, equipped with dipping sonar; 81 built for the US Navy.
- NSH-60F Seahawk: Modified SH-60F to support the VH-60N Cockpit Upgrade Program.[44]
- HH-60H "Rescue Hawk": Search and rescue helicopter for the US Navy; 42 built.
- XSH-60J: Two US built pattern aircraft for Japan.
- SH-60J: Anti-submarine warfare helicopter for the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force.
- YSH-60R Seahawk:
- MH-60R Seahawk:
- YCH-60S "Knighthawk":
- MH-60S "Knighthawk":
- HH-60 Jayhawk: US Coast Guard version, developed from HH-60H.
Export versions
- S-70B Seahawk: Sikorsky's designation for Seahawk. Designation is often used for exports.
- S-70B-1 Seahawk: Anti-submarine version for the Spanish Navy. The Seahawk is configured with the LAMPS (Light Airbone Multipurpose System)
- S-70B-2 Seahawk: Anti-submarine version for the Royal Australian Navy, similar to the SH-60B Seahawk in US Navy operation.
- S-70B-3 Seahawk: Anti-submarine version for the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force. Also known as the SH-60J. The JMSDF ordered 101 units, with deliveries starting in 1991.
- S-70-4 Seahawk: Sikorsky's designation for the SH-60F Oceanhawk.
- S-70-5: Sikorsky's designation for the HH-60H Rescue Hawk and HH-60J Jayhawk.
- S-70B-6 Aegean Hawk: the Greek military variant which is a blend of the SH-60B and F models, based on Taiwan's S-70C(M)1/2.
- S-70B-7 Seahawk: Export version for the Royal Thai Navy.
- S-70B-28 Seahawk: Export version for Turkey.
- S-70C: Designation for civil variants of the H-60.
- S-70C(M)-1/2 Thunderhawk: Export version for the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy, equipped with an undernose radar and a dipping sonar.
- S-70C-2: 24 radar-equipped UH-60 Black Hawks for China, the delivery of the helicopters was halted by an embargo.
- S-70C-6 Super Blue Hawk: Search and rescue helicopter for Taiwan, equipped with undernose radar, plus provision for four external fuel tanks on two sub wings.
- S-70C-14: VIP transport version for Brunei; two built.
- S-70A (N) Naval Hawk: Maritime variant that blends the S-70A Black Hawk and S-70B Seahawk designs.
- S-70L: Sikorsky's original designation for the SH-60B Seahawk.
Operators
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/SH-60_Seahawk_Operators.png/400px-SH-60_Seahawk_Operators.png)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/DD_158_-_JDS_Umigiri_Hangar_Deck_BB.jpg/220px-DD_158_-_JDS_Umigiri_Hangar_Deck_BB.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/Seahawk_with_tail_folded.jpg/220px-Seahawk_with_tail_folded.jpg)
- Royal Australian Navy - The Fleet Air Arm (RAN) received 16 S-70B-2 Seahawks,[46] and has 15 S-70Bs in service as of January 2011.[47] To be replaced with 24 MH-60R from 2014.[48]
- Brazilian Navy ordered 4 S-70B Seahawks in 2009 to replace its older helicopters beginning in 2012.[49][50] Two more S-70Bs requested in 2011.[51]
- Danish Navy officially ordered 9 MH-60R Seahawks on December 6, 2012. All are to be delivered by 2018.[52]
- Hellenic Navy received 11 S-70B-6 Aegean Hawks,[53] and had 8 S-70Bs in service as of January 2011.[47]
- See SH-60J/K
- Spanish Navy (Armada Española) received 12 S-70B-1 Seahawks[26] and has 12 S-70Bs in service as of November 2008.[54][47] A further six were requested in September 2010.[28]
- Republic of China Navy received 21 S-70C (10 S-70C(M)-1 and 11 S-70C(M)-2) Thunderhawks,[55] and has 19 S-70Cs in service as of November 2008[54] in 701st and 702nd Helicopter Squadron (Light).[56]
- Republic of Singapore Navy ordered 6 S-70B Seahawks in 2005,[57] and had 6 in service by 20 January 2011.[58] These helicopters will be owned and operated by the navy but flown by pilots from the Republic of Singapore Air Force, forming the 123 Squadron,[58] which has since retired the Eurocopter Fennecs operating in its former role as a light scout/attack helicopter.
- Royal Thai Navy received 6 S-70B-7 Seahawks,[59] and all 6 Seahawks were in use as of January 2011.[47] It ordered 6 MH-60S helicopters,[60] with two delivered in August 2011.[61]
- Turkish Naval Forces had received 8 S-70B-28 Seahawks with 17 more on order in 2007.[62] It had 12 S-70Bs in service as of January 2011.[47] It is to have 25 in use by mid-2011.[63]
- United States Navy had 129 SH-60B, 60 SH-60F, 52 MH-60R, and 154 MH-60S helicopters in service as of January 2011.[47]
Operational US Navy squadrons
- SH-60B
- HSL-37 "Easyriders"
- HSL-40 "Airwolves"
- HSL-42 "Proud Warriors"
- HSL-43 "Battle Cats"
- HSL-44 "Swamp Fox"
- HSL-46 "Grandmasters", Transitioned to HSM-46 in May 2012
- HSL-48 "Vipers"
- HSL-49 "Scorpions"
- HSL-51 "Warlords"
- HSL-60 "Jaguars", Navy Reserve
- SH-60F/HH-60H
- HS-5 "Nightdippers"
- HS-10 "Warhawks"
- HS-11 "Dragonslayers"
- HS-14 "Chargers"
- HS-15 "Red Lions"
- HSC-84 "Red Wolves", Navy Reserve
- HSC-85 "Fire Hawks", Navy Reserve
- Note: All HS squadrons will be redesignated HSC, and transition to the MH-60S. HSC-84 and HSC-85 operate the HH-60H exclusively.
- MH-60R
- HSM-41 "Seahawks"
- HSM-46 "Grandmasters"
- HSM-70 "Spartans"
- HSM-71 "Raptors"
- HSM-75 "Wolfpack"
- HSM-77 "Saberhawks"
- HSM-78 "Blue Hawks" Established 1 March 2012.
- MH-60S
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/US_Navy_110325-N-7293M-126_Sailors_run_to_refuel_an_MH-60S_Sea_Hawk_helicopter.jpg/220px-US_Navy_110325-N-7293M-126_Sailors_run_to_refuel_an_MH-60S_Sea_Hawk_helicopter.jpg)
- HSC-2 "Fleet Angels"
- HSC-3 "Merlins"
- HSC-4 "Black Knights"
- HSC-6 "Indians"
- HSC-7 "Dusty Dogs"
- HSC-8 "Eightballers"
- HSC-9 "Tridents" redesignated from HS-3 on 1 June 2009
- HSC-12 "Golden Falcons" redesignated from HS-2 on 6 August 2009.[64]
- HSC-21 "Blackjacks"
- HSC-22 "Sea Knights"
- HSC-23 "Wild Cards"
- HSC-25 "Island Knights"
- HSC-26 "Chargers"
- HSC-28 "Dragon Whales"
- VX-31 "Dust Devils" - NAWS China Lake SAR
- NAS Fallon SAR "Longhorns"
- NAS PAX River SAR
- NASWI SAR
Specifications (SH-60B)
Data from Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory,[65] Navy fact file,[13] and Sikorsky S-70B[66][67]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8c/US_Navy_040423-N-4190W-001_Search_and_Rescue_Swimmer_%28SAR%29_members_sit_in_a_MH-60s_Knighthawk_helicopter_during_an_vertical_replenishment.jpg/220px-US_Navy_040423-N-4190W-001_Search_and_Rescue_Swimmer_%28SAR%29_members_sit_in_a_MH-60s_Knighthawk_helicopter_during_an_vertical_replenishment.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/US_Navy_020304-N-0894C-002_USS_Kennedy_-_SH-60.jpg/220px-US_Navy_020304-N-0894C-002_USS_Kennedy_-_SH-60.jpg)
General characteristics
- Crew: 3–4
- Capacity: 5 passengers in cabin, slung load of 6,000 lb (2,700 kg) or internal load of 4,100 lb (1,900 kg) for B, F and H models; and 11 passengers or slung load of 9,000 lb (4,100 kg) for S-model
Performance
Armament
- Up to three Mark 46 torpedos or Mk-54s,
- AGM-114 Hellfire missile, 4 Hellfire missiles for SH-60B and HH-60H and MH-60R, 8 Hellfire missiles for MH-60S Block III.
- AGM-119 Penguin missile (being phased out),
- M60 machine gun or, M240 machine gun or GAU-16/A machine gun or GAU-17/A Minigun
- Rapid Airborne Mine Clearance System (RAMICS) using Mk 44 Mod 0 30 mm Cannon
See also
Related development
- Sikorsky S-70
- Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk
- Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk
- Sikorsky HH-60 Jayhawk
- Mitsubishi H-60
- Piasecki X-49
- Sikorsky S-92/CH-148 Cyclone
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
References
- Notes
- ^ a b c Leoni 2007, pp. 203–4.
- ^ a b Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk, Vectorsite.net, 1 July 2006.
- ^ Eden, Paul. "Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk/Seahawk", Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft, p. 431. Amber Books, 2004. ISBN 1-904687-84-9.
- ^ Leoni 2007, pp. 206–9.
- ^ Mitsubishi (Sikorsky) SH-60J (Japan). Jane's, 17 April 2007.
- ^ Mitsubishi SH-60K Upgrade[dead link]. Jane's, 11 June 2008.
- ^ Leoni 2007, p. 211.
- ^ a b c Donald 2004, pp. 158. Cite error: The named reference "Donald_p158" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ SH-60 Multipurpose Helicopter at Aerospaceweb.org
- ^ a b Donald 2004, pp. 159-160.
- ^ Donald 2004, pp. 160-161.
- ^ MH-60S Knighthawk — Multi-Mission Naval Helicopter, USA, Naval Technology, retrieved 2008-10-05
- ^ Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk helicopter, Fact File[dead link]. Sikorsky. checked 2008-10-05
- ^ Air Cache: MH-60 KnightHawk
- ^ a b Airscoop, US Navy, 2003, retrieved 2011-06-30
- ^ Donald 2004, pp. 161-162.
- ^ Donald 2004, p. 161.
- ^ "MH-60R Equipment Guide". Military.com. Retrieved 4 December 2012.
- ^ "Telephonics to supply AN/APS-153 radars for US MH-60R aircraft". Naval Technology. 26 April 2012. Retrieved 4 December 2012.
- ^ a b Donald 2004, pp. 156–157.
- ^ Tomajczyk 2003, p. 55.
- ^ Leoni 2007, p. 205.
- ^ Helicopter Sea Combat Wing, Pacific. GlobalSecurity.org
- ^ "MH-60R Helicopter Departs Lockheed Martin To Complete First Operational Navy Squadron". Lockheed Martin, July 30, 2008.
- ^ a b Leoni 2007, pp. 303-304.
- ^ "Spain – Refurbishment of SH-60F Multi-Mission Utility Helicopters". US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 30 September 2010.
- ^ a b "Spain seeks more Seahawk helicopters". Retrieved 2010-10-07.
- ^ "Australia – MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters". US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 9 July 2010.
- ^ [1] Australian Broadcasting Corporation Online, 16 June 2011
- ^ "Australia requests US helicopters". Rotothub, 29 April 2010.
- ^ "MH-60R or NH90 NFH - Australia plans to buy 24 naval combat helicopters". Defpro.com, 29 April 2010.
- ^ Danish Request For Proposal. forsvaret.dk
- ^ "Denmark – MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters". US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 30 November 2010.
- ^ Hoyle, Craig. "Denmark requests Seahawk helicopter buy". Flightglobal.com, 13 December 2010. Retrieved: 14 December 2010.
- ^ Hoyle, Craig. "Denmark confirms MH-60R selection to replace Lynx helicopters". Flightglobal.com, 21 November 2012. Retrieved: 21 November 2012.
- ^ "Korea – MH-60S Multi-Mission Helicopters". US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 22 July 2009.
- ^ "Tunisia – Refurbishment of Twelve SH-60F Multi-Mission Helicopters". US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 2 July 2010.
- ^ SH-60F Seahawk Helis for Tunisia
- ^ "India to go for open bidding for Navy deal, rejects US offer". Economic Times, 18 February 2011.
- ^ http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2011/Qatar_11-26.pdf
- ^ "Qatar – MH-60R and MH-60S Multi-Mission Helicopters". US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 28 June 2012.
- ^ Sambridge, Andy (30 June 2012). "Qatar keen on $2.5bn US helicopters deal". ArabianBusiness.com. Retrieved 1 July 2012.
- ^ a b c DoD 4120-15L, Model Designation of Military Aerospace Vehicles. US DoD, 12 May 2004.
- ^ Donald, David, ed. "Sikorsky S-70". The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. Barnes & Noble Books, 1997. ISBN 0-7607-0592-5.
- ^ Leoni 2007, pp. 250-256.
- ^ a b c d e f "World Military Aircraft Inventory". 2011 Aerospace. Aviation Week and Space Technology, January 2011.
- ^ "Smith announces $3b chopper deal". ABC News. 16 June 2011.
- ^ "Brazil is to get four S-70B helicopters". AirForces Monthly, 29 December 2009.
- ^ "Brazil Buys Naval Seahawks, Penguins". Defense Industry Daily, 6 January 2010.
- ^ "Marinha faz acordo para compra de helicópteros--empresa". Reuters. 20 June 2011.
- ^ Denmark Signs Letter of Offer and Acceptance for Nine MH-60R Seahawk Helicopters - Deagel.com, December 6, 2012
- ^ Leoni 2007, pp. 274-277.
- ^ a b "Directory: World Air Forces". Flight International, 11–17 November 2008.
- ^ Leoni 2007, pp. 292–98.
- ^ Taiwan Air Power, ROCN S-70C(M)-1/2 page. Taiwanairpower.org, update April 12, 2008. Retrieved: Sept. 15, 2009.
- ^ "Republic of Singapore Navy Acquires Six New Naval Helicopters". Sikorsky Aircraft, 21 January 2005.
- ^ a b Greg Waldron (20 January 2011). "Singapore's S-70B Seahawks enter service". FlightGlobal.com. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
- ^ Leoni 2007, pp. 304-305.
- ^ Up to $246M for 6 Royal Thai Navy MH-60S Helicopters. Defense Industry Daily
- ^ Hoyle, Craig. "New Seahawks delivered to Thai navy ". Flight Internal, 9 August 2011.
- ^ Leoni 2007, pp. 306–13.
- ^ [2][dead link]
- ^ HS-2 Transition Page
- ^ Taylor, M J H (editor) (1999), Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000 Edition, Brassey's, ISBN 1-85753-245-7
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has generic name (help) - ^ S-70B Seahawk Technical Information, 2001.
- ^ S-70B Seahawk Mission Brochure. Sikorsky.com.
- Sources
- A1-H60CA-NFM-000 NATOPS Flight Manual Navy Model H-60F/H Aircraft
- Donald, David ed. "Sikorsky HH/MH/SH-60 Seahawk". Warplanes of the Fleet. AIRtime, 2004. ISBN 1-880588-81-1.
- Leoni, Ray D. Black Hawk, The Story of a World Class Helicopter. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2007. ISBN 978-1-56347-918-2.
- Tomajczyk, Stephen F. Black Hawk. MBI, 2003. ISBN 0-7603-1591-4.
External links
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