MH-60 Seahawk
The twin-engine Seahawk is a do-it-all machine. This isn't even the full chore list:
- Anti-submarine warfare
- Search and rescue
- Drug interdiction
- Anti-ship warfare
- Cargo lift
- Early warning
- Medevac
- Special Operations
Seahawks can land on or fly to almost any Navy ship or base. They buzz back and forth around a fleet, moving personnel, parts and other mission-critical items between vessels and shore.
The Seahawk exists in two variants: the rugged MH-60 and the newer MH-60R. The newest model will be equipped with a more sensitive radar array. However, the cockpits are identical so pilots can seamlessly fly either platform.
Features
The Sea Hawk is a twin-engine helicopter. It is used for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, drug interdiction, anti-ship warfare, cargo lift, and special operations. The Navy's SH-60B Sea Hawk is an airborne platform based aboard cruisers, destroyers, and frigates and deploys sonobuoys (sonic detectors) and torpedoes in an anti-submarine role. They also extend the range of the ship's radar capabilities. The Navy's SH-60F is carrier-based. The HH-60H, also aboard carriers and ashore, is used for search and rescue (SAR) missions. By 2015, the only models of Sea Hawk in the Navy will be the MH-60S and the MH-60R. Some versions, such as the Air Force's MH-60 G Pave Hawk and the Coast Guard's HH-60J Jayhawk, are equipped with a rescue hoist with a 250 foot (75 meter) cable that has a 600 pound (270 kg) lift capability, and a retractable in-flight refueling probe. The Army's UH-60L Black Hawk can carry 11 soldiers or 2,600 pounds (1,170 kg) of cargo or sling load 9,000 pounds (4,050 kg) of cargo.
Background
The UH-60 Black Hawk was fielded by the Army in 1979. The Navy received the SH-60B Sea Hawk in 1983 and the SH-60F in 1988. The first MH-60S operational squadron was Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Five (HC 5), homeported in Guam. The Air Force received the MH-60G Pave Hawk in 1982 while the Coast Guard received the HH-60J Jayhawk in 1992.
General Characteristics
Primary Function: Varies with the particular military service.
Contractor: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (airframe); General Electric Company (engines); IBM Corporation (avionics components).
Propulsion: Two General Electric T700-GE-700 or T700-GE-701C engines; thrust: up to 1,940 shaft horsepower.
Length: 64 feet 10 inches (19.6 meters).
Height: Varies with the version; from 13 to 17 feet (3.9 to 5.1 meters).
Rotor Diameter: 53 feet 8 inches (16.4 meters).
Weight: Varies; 21,000 to 23,000 pounds (9,450 to 10,350 kg).
Airspeed: 180 knots maximum.
Range: Generally about 380 nautical miles (600 km); range becomes unlimited with air refueling capability.
Crew: Three to four.
