SH-60 Seahawk

Infobox Aircraft
name= SH-60 / MH-60 Seahawk


caption= U.S. Navy SH-60F with external fuel tank.
type= Multimission maritime helicopter
manufacturer= Sikorsky Aircraft
first flight= 1974
introduced= 1979
retired=
status=Active service
primary user= United States Navy
more users= Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
produced= 1970s-present
number built=
unit cost= USD$28 million (MH-60S) [ [http://www.deagel.com/Tactical-Support-Helicopters/MH-60S-Knighthawk_a000508011.aspx deagle.com MH-60S Knighthawk] , checked 2008-10-05]
developed from = UH-60 Black Hawk
variants with their own articles= HH-60 Jayhawk

The Sikorsky SH-60/MH-60 Seahawk (or Sea Hawk) is a twin turboshaft engine, multi-mission United States Navy helicopter based on the airframe of the United States Army UH-60 Black Hawk and a member of the Sikorsky S-70 family.

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 antisubmarine warfare (ASW), undersea warfare (USW), 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 either the Lucas Western or Breeze Eastern rescue hoist for SAR/CSAR missions.

Design and development

H-60B Seahawk

The SH-60B Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS Mk III) is deployed primarily aboard frigates, destroyers, and cruisers. There were five prototype YSH-60B Seahawks produced.

The primary missions of the SH-60B are surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare, which it accomplishes through a complex system of sensors carried aboard the helicopter 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 machine gun or GAU-16 .50 in machine gun.

A standard crew for a SH-60B is one pilot, one ATO/Co-Pilot (Airborne Tactical Officer), and an enlisted aviation systems warfare operator (sensor operator). Operating squadrons are designated Helicopter Anti-submarine Light (HSL).

H-60F "Oceanhawk"

The SH-60F is the carrier-based version of the SH-60B, having replaced the SH-3 Sea King as the carrier battle group's primary antisubmarine warfare (ASW) and search and rescue (SAR) aircraft. It hunts submarines with the AQS-13F dipping sonar, and carries just 14 sonobuoys, compared to the SH-60B's 25.

The SH-60F carries the Mk 46 torpedo and a choice of cabin-mounted machine guns, including the M60D, M240, and GAU-16, for defense. Standard crew complement is one pilot, one copilot, one enlisted tactical sensor operator (TSO), and one enlisted acoustic sensor operator (ASO). SH-60F squadrons are designated Helicopter Antisubmarine (HS), but as squadrons shift from the SH-60F to the MH-60S beginning in 2009, they will be redesignated Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC). [ [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/helseacombatwingpac.htm Helicopter Sea Combat Wing, Pacific on Global Security.org] ]

HH-60H "Rescue Hawk"

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 standard crew for a Rescue Hawk is one pilot, one copilot, and two "door gunner" crewmen. HH-60H are operated in Helicopter Antisubmarine (HS) squadrons with a standard dispersal of four Foxtrots and three Hotels.

MH-60S "Knighthawk"

The MH-60S was developed after the Navy decided to phase out the venerable CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter. The MH-60S 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 has no offensive sensors but can carry the ALQ-144 Infrared Jammer. The MH-60S will, in the near future, deploy with the AQS-20A Mine Detection System and an Airborne Laser Detection system for identifying submerged objects in coastal waters. The S-model is the first US Navy helicopter to field the glass cockpit where-by 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 guns. A "batwing" refit (Armed Helo Kit) based on the Army's UH-60L was developed to accommodate Hellfire or Penguin missiles, or larger guns or cannon.

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. [http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1200&tid=500&ct=1 Navy SH-60 Seahawk fact file] , check 2008-10-05] [ [http://sikorsky.com/sik/products/military/seahawk/index.asp Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk helicopter, Fact File] , checked 2008-10-05] A standard crew for the "Knighthawk" is one pilot, one copilot and two crewmen. 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 [http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/2000s/2003/nd03/HTML%20pages/airscoop.htm Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC).]

Unlike all other Navy H-60s, the MH-60S is not based on the original S-70B 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 [ [http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/mh_60s/ MH-60S Knighthawk - Multi-Mission Naval Helicopter, USA] , checked 2008-10-05] .

MH-60R Seahawk

The MH-60R is designed to replace the SH-60Bs and SH-60Fs, and be a true multi-mission helicopter. Its sensors include the ASE package, MTS-FLIR, 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 Light (HSL) squadrons that receive the Romeo will be redesignated Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM). [ [http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/2000s/2003/nd03/HTML%20pages/airscoop.htm US Navy Airscoop] ]

The Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), HSM-41, received the R-model aircraft in December 2005 and has begun training the first set of pilots. In 2007, the MH-60R 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." [ [http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2008/0730si-mh-60r.html Lockheed Martin Press Release, July 30, 2008] ]

Variants

*YSH-60B Seahawk: Developmental version, led to SH-60B.DoD 4120-15L, "Model Designation of Military Aerospace Vehicles"]
* SH-60B Seahawk
*NSH-60B Seahawk: Permanently configured for flight testing.
* SH-60F Oceanhawk
*NSH-60F Seahawk: Modified SH-60F to support the VH-60N Cockpit Upgrade Program.
* HH-60H Rescue Hawk
*YSH-60R Seahawk:
* MH-60R Seahawk
*YCH-60S "Knighthawk"
* MH-60S "Knighthawk"
* Sikorsky S-70B: Sikorsky's designation for Seahawk. Designation is often used for exports.

Operators

;USA
*United States Navy

Operational US Navy squadrons

SH-60B
* [http://www.mozeyoninn.com/Aircraft/MilPhoto/CAW/HLS37/HSL37.htm HSL-37 "Easyriders"]
* [http://www.hsl40.navy.mil/ HSL-40 "Airwolves"]
* [http://www.hsl42.navy.mil/ HSL-42 "Proud Warriors"]
* [http://www.hsl43.navy.mil/ HSL-43 "Battle Cats"]
* [http://www.hsl44.navy.mil/ HSL-44 "Swamp Fox"]
* [http://www.hsl45.navy.mil/ HSL-45 "Wolfpack"]
* [http://www.hsl46.navy.mil/ HSL-46 "Grandmasters"]
* [http://www.hsl47.navy.mil/ HSL-47 "Saberhawks"]
* [http://www.hsl48.navy.mil/ HSL-48 "Vipers"]
* [http://www.hsl49.navy.mil/ HSL-49 "Scorpions"]
*HSL-51 [https://www.atsugi.navy.mil/HSL-51/ "Warlords"]
* [http://navyreserve.navy.mil/Public/Staff/Centers/Forces+Command/Centers/Helicopter+Reserve+Wing/Centers/HSL-60/WelcomeAboard/ HSL-60 "Jaguars"]
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/insignia/hsl/hsl84.jpgHSL-84 "Thunderbolts"] SH-60F/HH-60H
* [http://www.hs2.navy.mil/ HS-2 Golden Falcons] "
* [http://www.ncts.navy.mil/homepages/hs3/HS3_Intro.htm HS-3 "Tridents"]
* [http://www.hs4.navy.mil/ HS-4 "Black Knights"]
* [http://www02.clf.navy.mil/hc2/ HS-5 "Nightdippers"]
* [http://www.hs6.navy.mil/ HS-6 "Indians"]
* [http://www.hs7.navy.mil/ HS-7 "Dusty Dogs"]
* [http://www.hs10.navy.mil/ HS-10 "Warhawks"]
* [http://www.hs11.navy.mil/ HS-11 "Dragonslayers"]
* [http://www.hs14.navy.mil/ HS-14 "Chargers"]
* [http://www.navy.mil/homepages/hs15/redlions.html HS-15 "Red Lions"]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/hs-75.htm HS-75 "Emerald Knights"] (US Navy Reserve)
* [http://navyreserve.navy.mil/Public/Staff/Centers/Forces+Command/Centers/Helicopter+Reserve+Wing/Centers/HCS-4/WelcomeAboard/MissionAndHistory/History.htm HCS-4 "Red Wolves"] - Redesignated HSC-84, 2006
* HCS-5 "Firehawks" - Disestablished, 2006

MH-60R
* [http://www.hsl41.navy.mil HSM-41 Seahawks] "
* [http://www.hsm71.navy.mil/ HSM-71 Raptors]

MH-60S
* [http://www.hsc2.navy.mil/ HSC-2 "Fleet Angels"]
* [http://www.hsc3.navy.mil/ HSC-3 "Merlins"]
*HSC-8 "Eightballers"
* [http://www.hsc21.navy.mil/ HSC-21 "Blackjacks"]
* [http://hsc22.ahf.nmci.navy.mil/ HSC-22 "Sea Knights"]
* [http://www.hsc23.navy.mil/ HSC-23 "Wild Cards"]
* [http://www.hsc25.navy.mil/ HSC-25 "Island Knights"]
* [http://www.hsc26.navy.mil/ HSC-26 "Chargers"]
* [http://hsc28.ahf.nmci.navy.mil/index.html HSC-28 "Dragon Whales"]
* [http://www.hsc85.navy.mil/ HSC-85 "High Rollers"]

Non-US operators

; AUS
* 16 S-70B-2 to the Royal Australian Navy
* No. 816 Squadron RAN; BRA
* 4 S-70B Seahawk (delivery in 2009) to the Brazilian Navy; ESP
* 12 S-70B-1 to the Spanish Navy; GRE
* 3 S-70B & 8 S-70B-6 Aegean Hawk; JPN
* S-70B-2/3; ROC-TW
* 19 S-70C(M)-1 to the Republic of China Navy; THA
* S-70B-7; TUR
* 24 S-70B-28 Seahawk (1 helicopter of the first batch of 8 was lost, 17 more have later been ordered) [ [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2006/11/mil-061103-sikorsky01.htm Global Security: Turkey Orders 17 S-70B SEAHAWK Helicopters] ]

pecifications (SH-60B)

aircraft specifications
plane or copter?=copter
jet or prop?=prop

ref=Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory,cite book |last=Taylor|first=M J H (editor) | title = Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000 Edition | year = 1999 | publisher = Brassey's | isbn = 1 85753 245 7 ] Navy fact file
crew=3
capacity=8 passengers or slung load of 6,000 lb or internal load of 4,100 lb for -B, -F and -H models and 11 passengers or slung load of 9,000 lb for -S
length main= 64 ft 10 in
length alt= 19.76 m
length more= (rotors turning)
span main= 16.36 m
span alt= 53 ft 8 in
height main= 5.23 m
height alt= 17 ft 2 in
area main= 210 m²
area alt= 2'262 ft²
airfoil=
empty weight main=6'190 kg
empty weight alt= 13'648 lb
loaded weight main= 9'575 kg
loaded weight alt= 20'110 lb
loaded weight more= (ASW mission)
useful load main=
useful load alt=
max takeoff weight main= 9'927 kg
max takeoff weight alt= 21'884 lb
more general=
engine (prop)=General Electric T700-GE-401C
type of prop=turboshaft
number of props=2
power main= 1'208 kW
power alt= 1'620 hp
power more= continuous
power original=
max speed main= 333 km/h
max speed alt= 207 mph, 180 knots
cruise speed main=
cruise speed alt=
never exceed speed main=
never exceed speed alt=
stall speed main=
stall speed alt=
range main= 704 km
range alt= 437 mi, 380 nmi
ceiling main= 5'790 m
ceiling alt= 19'000 ft
climb rate main= 3.6 m/s
climb rate alt= 700 ft/min
loading main=
loading alt=
thrust/weight=
power/mass main=
power/mass alt=
more performance=
armament=
* Up to three Mark 46 torpedo "or" Mark 50 torpedo,
* AGM-114 Hellfire missile, 4 Hellfire missiles for SH-60B and HH-60H, 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 30mm Cannon"See Main Article: U.S. Helicopter Armament Subsystems"
avionics=

ee also

aircontent
related=
* Sikorsky S-70
* UH-60 Black Hawk
* HH-60 Pave Hawk
* HH-60 Jayhawk
* Piasecki X-49
* CH-148 Cyclone
similar aircraft=
* Boeing-Vertol YUH-61
* Kamov Ka-27
* Harbin Z-9
lists=
* List of helicopters
* List of military aircraft of the United States
see also=
* List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons
* US Helicopter Armament Subsystems

References

*A1-H60CA-NFM-000 NATOPS Flight Manual Navy Model H-60F/H Aircraft
* 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.

External links

* [http://www.sikorsky.com/sik/products/military/seahawk/index.asp Seahawk page on Sikorsky.com]
* [http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1200&tid=500&ct=1 SH-60 fact file] and [http://www.history.navy.mil/planes/sh60.htm SH-60 history page on US Navy site]
* [http://www.sikorsky.com/news_index/1,9599,CLI1_DIV69_ETI435,00.html "U.S. Army/Navy Signs 5-Year Production Contract for UH-60 Helicopters" (also HH-60M & MH-60R)] , Sikorsky, December 12, 2007.
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/hh-60h.htm HH-60H/SH-60F on Globalsecurity.org]