Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk

SH-60 / MH-60 Seahawk
U.S. Navy SH-60F with external fuel tank.
Role Multimission maritime helicopter
Manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft
First flight 12 December 1979
Introduced 1984
Status Active service
Primary user United States Navy
Produced 1970s–present
Unit cost US$28 million (MH-60S)[1]
Developed from UH-60 Black Hawk
Variants 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 airframe of the United States Army UH-60 Black Hawk and a member of the Sikorsky S-70 family. The most significant 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 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 a rescue hoist for SAR/CSAR missions.

Contents

Design and development

Origins

During the 1970s the US Navy began looking for new helicopter to replace the Kaman SH-2 Seasprite.[2] 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.[3] The Navy based its requirements on the Army's UTTAS specification to decrease costs from commonality.[2] 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,[2] which was designated "SH-60B Seahawk".

SH-60B Seahawk

The SH-60B maintained 83% commonality with the UH-60A.[4] The main changes are corrosion protection, more powerful T700 engines, shifting the tail landing gear 13 ft forward, replacing left side door with fuselage structure, and adding two weapon pylons. 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. Shifting the tail landing gear reduced the footprint for shipboard landing.[5]

SH-60B Seahawk.

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.[3]

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 Seahawk waits above the ground to evacuate a simulated casualty as fellow MARSOC operators bring the Marine on a stretcher.

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.[6][7]

SH-60F "Oceanhawk"

After the SH-60B entered service, the Navy began development of the SH-60F variant to replace the SH-3 Sea King.[8] Development of this variant began with the award of a contract to Sikorsky in March 1985. An early 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.[9]

The SH-60F serves as the carrier battle group's primary anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and search and rescue (SAR) aircraft. It hunts submarines with the AN/AQS-13F dipping sonar, and carries 14 sonobuoys. The SH-60F can carry the Mk 46, MK 50, or MK 54 torpedo and a choice of cabin-mounted machine guns, including the M60D, M240D, and GAU-16 (50 CAL) for defense. Standard crew complement is one pilot, one copilot, one enlisted tactical sensor operator (TSO), and one enlisted acoustic sensor operator (ASO).

HH-60H "Rescue Hawk"

An HH-60H deploying a SAR swimmer

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.[9] The HH-60H's official DoD and Sikorsky name is Seahawk, though it has been called "Rescue Hawk".[10]

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 Rescue Hawk'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. Recently HH-60Hs have been used by the Navy, assisting the Army, for MEDEVAC operations in Iraq. For these operations, its crew included pilot, co-pilot, an enlisted crew chief, an enlisted rescue swimmer, and one Corpsmen.

MH-60S "Knighthawk"

An MH-60S Knighthawk conducts VERTREP

The Navy decided to replace the venerable CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter 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.[11]

The MH-60S is based on the UH-60L and has many naval SH-60 features.[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 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 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 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/A guns. A "batwing" refit (Armed Helo Kit) based on the Army's UH-60L was developed to accommodate Hellfire, Hydra 70 2.75" rockets, or a 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.[13][14] 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).[15]

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.[16]

MH-60R Seahawk

An MH-60R conducts sonar operations.

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, 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).[15]

Operational history

The Navy received the first production SH-60B in February 1983 and assigned it to squadron HSL-41.[19][20] The helicopter entered service in 1984,[21] and began its first deployment in 1985.[19]

The SH-60F entered operational service on 22 June 1989 with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 10 (HS-10) at NAS North Island.[11] SH-60F squadrons will shift from the SH-60F to the MH-60S beginning in 2009, they will be redesignated Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC).[22]

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."[23]

Other and future users

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.[24] In July 2010 Tunisia requested 12 refurbished SH-60Fs through a Foreign Military Sale.[25]

Australia asked to buy 24 MH-60Rs through a Foreign Military Sale in July 2010.[26] These new helicopters are to replace older Seahawks currently in service with the Royal Australian Navy.[27]

Variants

US versions

Export versions

Operators

SH-60 Seahawk Operators
An SH-60J on the hangar deck of the Japanese Asagiri class destroyer JDS Umigiri (DD-158)
MH-60S "Knighthawk" with tail and rotors folded on the USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20)
 Australia
 Brazil
 Greece
 Japan
 Spain
 Republic of China (Taiwan)
 Singapore
 Thailand
 Turkey
 United States

Operational US Navy squadrons

SH-60B

SH-60F Seahawk hoisting up a SAR swim pair

SH-60F/HH-60H

MH-60R

MH-60S

Specifications (SH-60B)

Data from Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory,[44] Navy fact file,[13] and Sikorsky S-70B[45][46]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

See Main Article: U.S. Helicopter Armament Subsystems

See also

Related development

Comparable aircraft

Related lists

References

Notes
  1. ↑ MH-60S Knighthawk, Deagle, http://www.deagel.com/Tactical-Support-Helicopters/MH-60S-Knighthawk_a000508011.aspx, retrieved 2008-10-05 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Leoni 2007, pp. 203–4.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk, Vectorsite.net, 1 July 2006.
  4. ↑ Eden, Paul. "Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk/Seahawk", Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft, p. 431. Amber Books, 2004. ISBN 1904687849.
  5. ↑ Leoni 2007, pp. 206–9.
  6. ↑ Mitsubishi (Sikorsky) SH-60J (Japan). Jane's, 17 April 2007.
  7. ↑ Mitsubishi SH-60K Upgrade. Jane's, 11 June 2008.
  8. ↑ Leoni 2007, p. 211.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Donald 2004, pp. 158.
  10. ↑ SH-60 Multipurpose Helicopter at Aerospaceweb.org
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Donald 2004, pp. 159-160.
  12. ↑ Donald 2004, pp. 160-161.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 SH-60 Seahawk fact file, US Navy, http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1200&tid=500&ct=1, retrieved 2008-10-05 
  14. ↑ Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk helicopter, Fact File. Sikorsky. checked 2008-10-05
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Airscoop, US Navy, 2003, http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/2000s/2003/nd03/HTML%20pages/airscoop.htm 
  16. ↑ MH-60S Knighthawk — Multi-Mission Naval Helicopter, USA, Naval Technology, http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/mh_60s/, retrieved 2008-10-05 
  17. ↑ Donald 2004, pp. 161-162.
  18. ↑ Donald 2004, p. 161.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Donald 2004, pp. 156–157.
  20. ↑ Tomajczyk 2003, p. 55.
  21. ↑ Leoni 2007, p. 205.
  22. ↑ Helicopter Sea Combat Wing, Pacific. GlobalSecurity.org
  23. ↑ "MH-60R Helicopter Departs Lockheed Martin To Complete First Operational Navy Squadron". Lockheed Martin, July 30, 2008.
  24. ↑ "Korea – MH-60S Multi-Mission Helicopters". US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 22 July 2009.
  25. ↑ "Tunisia – Refurbishment of Twelve SH-60F Multi-Mission Helicopters". US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 2 July 2010.
  26. ↑ "Australia – MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters". US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 9 July 2010.
  27. ↑ "Australia requests US helicopters". NEWS.com.au, 15 July 2010.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 DoD 4120-15L, Model Designation of Military Aerospace Vehicles. US DoD, 12 May 2004.
  29. ↑ Leoni 2007, pp. 250-256.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 30.3 30.4 "Directory: World Air Forces". Flight International, 11–17 November 2008.
  31. ↑ "Brazil is to get four S-70B helicopters". AirForces Monthly, 29 December 2009.
  32. ↑ "Brazil Buys Naval Seahawks, Penguins". Defense Industry Daily, 6 January 2010.
  33. ↑ Leoni 2007, pp. 274-277.
  34. ↑ Leoni 2007, pp. 303-304.
  35. ↑ Leoni 2007, pp. 292–98.
  36. ↑ Taiwan Air Power, ROCN S-70C(M)-1/2 page. Taiwanairpower.org, update April 12, 2008. Retrieved Sept. 15, 2009.
  37. ↑ "Republic of Singapore Navy Acquires Six New Naval Helicopters". Sikorsky Aircraft, 21 January 2005.
  38. ↑ "Singapore Begins Operating New S-70 Helicopters". defencetalk.com, 16 March 2010.
  39. ↑ Leoni 2007, pp. 304-305.
  40. ↑ Up to $246M for 6 Royal Thai Navy MH-60S Helicopters Defense Industry Daily
  41. ↑ Leoni 2007, pp. 306–13.
  42. ↑ "World Military Aircraft Inventory". 2010 Aerospace Source Book. Aviation Week and Space Technology, January 2010.
  43. ↑ HS-2 Transition Page
  44. ↑ Taylor, M J H (editor) (1999), Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000 Edition, Brassey's, ISBN 1 85753 245 7 
  45. ↑ S-70B Seahawk Technical Information, 2001.
  46. ↑ S-70B Seahawk Technical Information, 2008. 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.

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