MH-60R-Seahawk

The MH-60R-Seahawk, operational with the USN since 2006, was designed to replace 2 helicopters - the SH-60B and SH-60F. This allowed a single helicopter to perform the full spectrum of maritime helicopter roles.

The helicopter was jointly built by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation and Lockheed Martin, responsible for its airframe and its complex avionics and mission systems technologies respectively. On 15 June 2011, the Australian Government announced the MH-60R would replace Australia’s legacy S-70B-2 Seahawk.

One of the MH-60R’s features is its networked mission systems and digital cockpit. It equips Navy aircrew with unparalleled situational awareness. The MH-60R fuses information from its advanced RADAR, SONAR, Electro-Optical and Electronic Support systems before sharing mission critical information via its high speed datalinks.

The Australian Government has approved Navy to build a common Fleet of 36 MH-60R maritime helicopters. Fleet commonality helps streamline logistics, training, and maintenance enabling the Fleet Air Arm to fly the MH-60R wherever Navy may sail.

When not deployed, MH-60Rs operate from the Naval Air Station HMAS Albatross in Nowra, New South Wales.

Specifications

Role
  • Anti-submarine warfare
  • Anti-surface warfare
  • Vertical replenishment
  • Passenger and cargo transfer
  • Search and rescue
Manufacturer Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin
Origin USA
Number
  • 23 in service
  • 13 in order
First delivered 12 December 2013
In service date 24 January 2014
Speed 180 knots
Range 470 nautical miles
Crew 1 x Navy pilot
1 x Maritime aviation warfare officer
1 x Aircrewman  
Engines 2 x General Electric T700-GE-401
Weapon systems
  • AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles
  • Mark 54 lightweight torpedo
  • Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System (APKWS)
Operated by
  • Operational Squadrons 808, 816 
  • Training Squadron 725

Function

Maritime helicopter