SH-60 Seahawk


"SH-60" redirects here. For other uses, see SH60.
This article is about the naval versions of the S-70 family. For an overview of the S-70 family, and for its civilian models, see Sikorsky S-70.
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 USD$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 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 involved a hinged tail that folds to reduce space on 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 either the Lucas Western or Breeze Eastern 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 (0.308 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 systems warfare operator (sensor operator). Operating squadrons are designated Helicopter Anti-submarine 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"

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).[8]

HH-60H "Rescue Hawk"

An HH-60H deploying a SAR swimmer.

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 F-models and three H-models.

MH-60S "Knighthawk"

An MH-60S Knighthawk conducts VERTREP

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 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.[9][10] 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 Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC).[11]

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.[12]

MH-60R Seahawk

An MH-60R conducts sonar operations.

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).[11]

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."[13]

Variants

US versions

  • YSH-60B Seahawk: Developmental version, led to SH-60B.[14]
  • SH-60B Seahawk
  • NSH-60B Seahawk: Permanently configured for flight testing.[14]
  • SH-60F Oceanhawk
  • NSH-60F Seahawk: Modified SH-60F to support the VH-60N Cockpit Upgrade Program.[14]
  • HH-60H Rescue Hawk
  • YSH-60R Seahawk:
  • MH-60R Seahawk
  • YCH-60S "Knighthawk"
  • MH-60S "Knighthawk"

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 Defence Force. Also known as the SH-60J, the JMSDF ordered a total of 101 units, with deliveries starting in 1991.
    • S-70B-6 Aegean Hawk: the Greek military variant which is a blend of the SH-60B and F models.
    • S-70B-7 Seahawk: Export version for the Royal Thai Navy.
    • S-70A (N) Naval Hawk: Maritime variant that blends the S-70A Black Hawk and S-70B Seahawk designs.

Operators

SH-60 Seahawk with tail and rotors folded on the USS Mount Whitney.

Operational US Navy squadrons

SH-60B

Seahawk hoisting up a SAR swim pair.

SH-60F/HH-60H

MH-60R


MH-60S

Non-US operators

An SH-60J on the hangar deck of the Japanese Asagiri class destroyer JDS Umigiri (DD-158).
 Australia
 Brazil
 Greece
  • Received 11 S-70B-6 Aegean Hawks,[17] and has 11 S-70Bs in service as of 2008.[16]
 Japan
 Spain
 Republic of China (Taiwan)
 Thailand
 Turkey

Specifications (SH-60B)

Data from Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory,[23] Navy fact file,[9] and Sikorsky S-70B[24][25]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 3–4
  • Capacity: 5 passengers in cabin 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: 64 ft 8 in (19.75 m)
  • Rotor diameter: 53 ft 8 in (16.35 m)
  • Height: 17 ft 2 in (5.2 m)
  • Disc area: 2,262 ft² (210 m²)
  • Empty weight: 15,200 lb (6,895 kg)
  • Loaded weight: 17,758 lb (8,055 kg)
  • Useful load: 6,684 lb (3,031 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 21,884 lb (9,927 kg)
  • Powerplant: 2× General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft, 1,890 shp (1,410 kW) take-off power each

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 on 2008-10-05 
  2. ^ a b c Leoni 2007, pp. 203–4.
  3. ^ a b 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. ^ Helicopter Sea Combat Wing, Pacific on Global Security.org
  9. ^ a b SH-60 Seahawk fact file, US Navy, http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1200&tid=500&ct=1, retrieved on 2008-10-05 
  10. ^ Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk helicopter, Fact File, checked 2008-10-05
  11. ^ a b Airscoop, US Navy, 2003, http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/2000s/2003/nd03/HTML%20pages/airscoop.htm 
  12. ^ MH-60S Knighthawk — Multi-Mission Naval Helicopter, USA, Naval Technology, http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/mh_60s/, retrieved on 2008-10-05 
  13. ^ "MH-60R Helicopter Departs Lockheed Martin To Complete First Operational Navy Squadron", Lockheed Martin, July 30, 2008.
  14. ^ a b c DoD 4120-15L, Model Designation of Military Aerospace Vehicles, DoD, 2004.
  15. ^ Leoni 2007, pp. 250-256.
  16. ^ a b c d e f "Directory: World Air Forces". Flight International, 11-17 November 2008.
  17. ^ Leoni 2007, pp. 274-277.
  18. ^ Leoni 2007, pp. 303-304.
  19. ^ Leoni 2007, pp. 292–98.
  20. ^ Leoni 2007, pp. 304-305.
  21. ^ Up to $246M for 6 Royal Thai Navy MH-60S Helicopters Defense Industry Daily
  22. ^ Leoni 2007, pp. 306–13.
  23. ^ Taylor, M J H (editor) (1999). Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000 Edition. Brassey's. ISBN 1 85753 245 7. 
  24. ^ S-70B Seahawk Technical Information, 2001
  25. ^ 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.

External links

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