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{{Redirect|SH-60||SH60 (disambiguation)}}
{{About|the naval versions and operators of the S-70 family|an overview of the S-70 family, and for its civilian models and operators|Sikorsky S-70}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout, and guidelines. -->
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
|name= SH-60 / HH-60H / MH-60 Seahawk
|image= File:SH-60B_Seahawk.jpg
|caption= U.S. Navy SH-60B preparing to land on [[USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)|USS ''Kitty Hawk'']].
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
|type= Multimission maritime helicopter
|manufacturer= [[Sikorsky Aircraft]]
|first flight= 12 December 1979
|introduced= 1984
|retired=
|status= In service
|primary user= [[United States Navy]]
|more users=
|produced= 1979–present
|number built=
|unit cost= US$28 million (MH-60S)<ref>{{citation |url= http://www.deagel.com/Tactical-Support-Helicopters/MH-60S-Knighthawk_a000508011.aspx |publisher= Deagle |title= MH-60S Knighthawk |accessdate= 2008-10-05}}</ref>
|developed from= [[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk]]
|variants with their own articles= [[Sikorsky HH-60 Jayhawk]] <br />[[Mitsubishi H-60|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 [[United States Army]] [[UH-60 Black Hawk]] and a member of the [[Sikorsky S-70]] family. The most significant airframe 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 [[anti-submarine warfare]] (ASW), [[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.

==Design and development==
===Origins===

During the 1970s the U.S. Navy began looking for new helicopter to replace the [[Kaman SH-2 Seasprite]].<ref name=Leoni_p203>Leoni 2007, pp. 203–4.</ref> 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 [[UH-60 Black Hawk|Sikorsky YUH-60]] and [[Boeing-Vertol YUH-61]] for its Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) competition.<ref name=Vect_S-70B>[http://www.vectorsite.net/avs70_2.html Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk], Vectorsite.net, 1 July 2006.</ref>

The Navy based its requirements on the Army's UTTAS specification to decrease costs from commonality.<ref name=Leoni_p203/> 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 Helicopter|Bell]], [[Kaman Aircraft|Kaman]], [[Westland Aircraft|Westland]] and [[Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm|MBB]], but these were too small for the mission. In early 1978 the Navy selected Sikorsky's S-70B design,<ref name=Leoni_p203/> which was designated "SH-60B Seahawk".

===SH-60B Seahawk===
The SH-60B maintained 83% commonality with the UH-60A.<ref>Eden, Paul. "Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk/Seahawk", Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft, p. 431. Amber Books, 2004. ISBN 1-904687-84-9.</ref> The main changes made included corrosion protection, more powerful T700 engines, single-stage [[shock absorber|oleo]] main landing gear, replacing left side door with fuselage structure, adding two weapon pylons, and shifting the tail landing gear {{convert|13|ft|m|sigfig=3}} forward to reduce the footprint for shipboard landing. 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.<ref name=Leoni_p206>Leoni 2007, pp. 206–9.</ref> An emergency flotation system was also installed in the stub wing fairings of the main landing gear on both sides of the aircraft.{{citation needed|date=January 2011}}

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.<ref name=Vect_S-70B/>

[[File:MARSOC_Helicopter_exercise.jpg|thumb|A Seahawk waits above the ground to evacuate a simulated casualty as fellow [[MARSOC]] operators bring the [[USMC|Marine]] on a stretcher.]]

The SH-60B LAMPS Mk III is deployed primarily aboard [[frigate]]s, [[destroyer]]s, and [[cruiser]]s. 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 [[sonobuoy]]s. Other sensors include the APS-124 search radar, ALQ-142 ESM system and optional nose-mounted [[forward looking infrared]] (FLIR) turret. It carries the [[Mark 46 torpedo|Mk 46]], [[Mark 50 torpedo|Mk 50]], or [[Mark 54 torpedo|Mk 54]] [[torpedo]], [[AGM-114 Hellfire]] missile, and a single cabin-door-mounted [[M60D]]/[[M240 machine gun|M240]] 7.62&nbsp;mm (0.30&nbsp;in) machine gun or [[GAU-16]] .50 in (12.7&nbsp;mm) machine gun.

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 [[Mitsubishi H-60|SH-60J and SH-60K]] are built under license by [[Mitsubishi Heavy Industries|Mitsubishi]] in Japan.<ref>[http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Helicopter-Markets-and-Systems/Mitsubishi-Sikorsky-SH-60J-Japan.html Mitsubishi (Sikorsky) SH-60J (Japan)]. Jane's, 17 April 2007.</ref><ref>[http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jau/jau_0953.html Mitsubishi SH-60K Upgrade]{{dead link|date=July 2011}}. Jane's, 11 June 2008.</ref>

===SH-60F Seahawk===
After the SH-60B entered service, the Navy began development of the SH-60F to replace the [[SH-3 Sea King]].<ref name=Leoni_p211>Leoni 2007, p. 211.</ref> Development of this variant began with the award of a contract to Sikorsky in March 1985. An early-model SH-60B (Bu. No. 161170) was modified to serve as a SH-60F prototype.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bureau (Serial) Numbers of Naval Aircraft |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/download/history/app09.pdf}}</ref> The company was contracted to produce seven SH-60Fs in January 1986 and the first example flew on 19 March 1987.<ref name=Donald_p158>Donald 2004, pp. 158.</ref>

The SH-60F primarily serves as the carrier battle group's primary [[antisubmarine warfare]] (ASW) aircraft. The helicopter hunts submarines with its [[AN/AQS-13]]F dipping [[sonar]], and carries a 6-tube sonobuoy launcher. The SH-60F is unofficially named "Oceanhawk".<ref name=Donald_p158/> The SH-60F can carry [[Mk 46 torpedo]]es, [[Mk 50 torpedo]]es, or Mk 54 [[torpedo]]es for its offensive weapons, and it has a choice of [[fuselage]]-mounted machine guns, including the M60D, M240D, and GAU-16 (.50 caliber) for self-defense. The standard aircrew consists of one pilot, one co-pilot, one tactical sensor operator (TSO), and one [[Acoustic signature|acoustic]] sensor operator (ASO).

===HH-60H Seahawk===
[[File:SH-60 Seahawk.jpg|thumb|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-60 Jayhawk|HH-60J]]. Deliveries of the HH-60H began in 1989. The variant earned initial operating capability in April 1990.<ref name=Donald_p158>Donald 2004, p. 158.</ref> The HH-60H's official DoD and Sikorsky name is ''Seahawk'', though it has been called "Rescue Hawk".<ref>[http://www.aerospaceweb.org/aircraft/helicopter-m/sh60/ SH-60 Multipurpose Helicopter] at Aerospaceweb.org</ref>

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 [[Minigun|GAU-17/A]] machine guns.

The HH-60H'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. In Iraq, HH-60Hs were used by the Navy, assisting the Army, for [[MEDEVAC]] purposes and special operations missions.{{Citation needed|date=January 2012}} As the Navy transitions its Helicopter Antisubmarine (HS) squadrons to the MH-60S, remaining HH-60Hs are being transferred to its East and West coast special operations squadrons ([[HSC-84]] and [[HSC-85]], respectively).

===MH-60R Seahawk===
[[File:MH-60R.jpg|thumb|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.<ref>Donald 2004, pp. 161-162.</ref>

The MH-60R is designed to combine the features of the SH-60B and SH-60F.<ref>Donald 2004, p. 161.</ref> Its sensors include the ASE package, MTS-FLIR, the [[AN/APS-147]] multi-mode radar/IFF interrogator,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tech.military.com/equipment/view/155223/mh-60r-seahawk.html |title=MH-60R Equipment Guide |work=Military.com |accessdate=4 December 2012}}</ref> 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 torpedo]]es and Hellfire missiles. All Helicopter Anti-Submarine (HS) and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light (HSL) squadrons that receive the Romeo will be redesignated Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) squadrons.<ref name= Airscoop/>

During a mid-life technology insertion project, the navy will upgrade the radar capability of the MH-60R fleet to the [[AN/APS-153]] Multi-Mode Radar with Automatic Radar Periscope Detection and Discrimination (ARPDD) capability.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newstelephonics-to-supply-anaps-153-radars-for-us-mh-60r-aircraft |title=Telephonics to supply AN/APS-153 radars for US MH-60R aircraft |work=Naval Technology |date=26 April 2012 |accessdate=4 December 2012}}</ref>

===MH-60S "Knighthawk"===
[[File:US Navy 090414-F-4455C-004 An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter carries one of the 333 loads of cargo from the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) as the ship is anchored offshore near Port-Au-Prince.jpg|thumb|right|An MH-60S lifting humanitarian supplies over Haiti]]

The Navy decided to replace its venerable [[Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight|CH-46 Sea Knight]] helicopters 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.<ref name=Donald_p159-60>Donald 2004, pp. 159-160.</ref>

The MH-60S is based on the [[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk|UH-60L]] and has many naval SH-60 features.<ref>Donald 2004, pp. 160-161.</ref> 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.<ref>{{citation |url= http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/mh_60s/ |title= MH-60S Knighthawk — Multi-Mission Naval Helicopter, USA |publisher= Naval Technology |accessdate= 2008-10-05}}</ref>

It is deployed aboard [[amphibious assault ship]]s and [[fast combat support ship|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 is to 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]] whereby 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 machine guns. A "batwing" refit (Armed Helo Kit) based on the Army's UH-60L was developed to accommodate Hellfire, Hydra 70 2.75&nbsp;inch rockets, or larger guns. The MH-60S can be equipped with a nose mounted forward looking infrared (FLIR) turret to be used in conjunction with the Hellfire missiles and also carries the ALQ-144 Infrared Jammer.

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.<ref name=navy-sh-60>{{citation |url= http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1200&tid=500&ct=1 |publisher= US Navy |title= SH-60 Seahawk fact file |accessdate= 2008-10-05}}</ref><ref>[http://sikorsky.com/sik/products/military/seahawk/index.asp Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk helicopter, Fact File]{{dead link|date=July 2011}}. Sikorsky. checked 2008-10-05</ref> Pilots note the differences between the MH-60S and SH-60.<ref>[http://air.blastmagazine.com/mh-60-seahawkknighthawk/ Air Cache: MH-60 KnightHawk]</ref> 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).<ref name= Airscoop>{{citation |url= http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/2000s/2003/nd03/HTML%20pages/airscoop.htm |publisher= US Navy |year= 2003 |title= Airscoop |accessdate= 2011-06-30}}</ref>

The MH-60S was to be used for mine clearing from the [[Littoral-combat ship]]s, but testing has found it lacks the power to safely tow the detection equipment.<ref>LaGrone, Sam. [http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?ID=1065975356&channel=defence "MH-60S underpowered for MCM towing operations, report finds."] Jane's Information Group, 21 January 2013.</ref> This mission is to be assigned to some sort of robotic boat instead.<ref>[http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?ID=1065975359&channel=defence&subChannel=systems "US looks for USV influence."] Jane's Information Group, </ref>

==Operational history==
===U.S. Navy===

The Navy received the first production SH-60B in February 1983 and assigned it to squadron HSL-41.<ref name=Donald_p156-7>Donald 2004, pp. 156–157.</ref><ref>Tomajczyk 2003, p. 55.</ref> The helicopter entered service in 1984,<ref>Leoni 2007, p. 205.</ref> and began its first deployment in 1985.<ref name=Donald_p156-7/>

{{Expand section|fill in operational use and combat action|date=April 2010}}

The SH-60F entered operational service on 22 June 1989 with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 10 (HS-10) at NAS North Island.<ref name=Donald_p159-60/> SH-60F squadrons will shift from the SH-60F to the MH-60S beginning in 2009, they will be redesignated Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC).<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/helseacombatwingpac.htm Helicopter Sea Combat Wing, Pacific]. GlobalSecurity.org</ref>

[[File:US Navy 120102-N-DR144-050 An MH-60S Knight Hawk assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 passes the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile .jpg|thumb|right|A MH-60S flying ahead of an [[Arleigh Burke class destroyer|''Arleigh Burke''-class guided-missile destroyer]] ]]

As one of the two squadrons in the US Navy dedicated to Naval Special Warfare support and combat search and rescue preeminent, the HCS-5 Firehawks squadron deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003. The squadron completed 900 combat air missions and over 1,700 combat flight hours. The majority of their flights in the Iraqi theater supported special operations ground forces missions.{{citation needed|date=June 2012}}

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."<ref>[http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2008/0730si-mh-60r.html "MH-60R Helicopter Departs Lockheed Martin To Complete First Operational Navy Squadron"]. Lockheed Martin, July 30, 2008.</ref>

===Other and potential users===

Spain ordered 12 S-70B Seahawks for its [[Spanish Navy|Navy]].<ref name=Leoni_p303-4>Leoni 2007, pp. 303-304.</ref> Spain requested six refurbished SH-60Fs through a Foreign Military Sale in September 2010.<ref>[http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2010/Spain_10-60.pdf "Spain – Refurbishment of SH-60F Multi-Mission Utility Helicopters"]. US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 30 September 2010.</ref><ref name=Spain_seeks_more>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/10/04/348098/spain-seeks-more-seahawk-helicopters.html |accessdate=2010-10-07 |title=Spain seeks more Seahawk helicopters }}</ref>

Australia requested approval to buy 24 MH-60Rs through a Foreign Military Sale in July 2010.<ref>[http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2010/Australia_10-37.pdf "Australia – MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters"]. US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 9 July 2010.</ref> The MH-60R and the [[NHIndustries NH90]] were evaluated by the [[Royal Australian Navy]]. On 16 June 2011 it was announced that Australia would purchase 24 of the MH-60R variant, to come in to service between 2014 to 2020.<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/16/3245398.htm] Australian Broadcasting Corporation Online, 16 June 2011</ref> The helicopter selected is to replace older Seahawks currently in service.<ref>[http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/rotorhub/new-australian-naval-combat-helicopter-tender-release/6236/ "Australia requests US helicopters"]. Rotothub, 29 April 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/560/ "MH-60R or NH90 NFH - Australia plans to buy 24 naval combat helicopters"]. Defpro.com, 29 April 2010.</ref>

Similarly the [[Royal Danish Navy]] (RDN) have the MH-60R on a short list for a requirement of around 12 new naval helicopters, together with the NH90/NFH, H-92, AW159 and AW101. The Request For Proposal was issued on 30 September 2010.<ref>[http://forsvaret.dk/FMT/Nyt%20og%20Presse/Pages/N%C3%A6steskridttilanskaffelseafnyhelikopter.aspx Danish Request For Proposal]. forsvaret.dk</ref> In November 2010, Denmark requested approval for a possible purchase of 12 MH-60Rs through a Foreign Military Sale.<ref>[http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2010/Denmark_10-73.pdf "Denmark – MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters"]. US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 30 November 2010.</ref><ref>Hoyle, Craig. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/12/13/350862/denmark-requests-seahawk-helicopter-buy.html "Denmark requests Seahawk helicopter buy"]. Flightglobal.com, 13 December 2010. Retrieved: 14 December 2010.</ref> In November 2012, Denmark confirmed the selection of the MH-60Rs to replace its aging Lynx helicopters.<ref>Hoyle, Craig. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/denmark-confirms-mh-60r-selection-to-replace-lynx-helicopters-379331/ "Denmark confirms MH-60R selection to replace Lynx helicopters"]. Flightglobal.com, 21 November 2012. Retrieved: 21 November 2012.</ref>

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 Sales|Foreign Military Sale]].<ref>[http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2009/Korea_09-27.pdf "Korea – MH-60S Multi-Mission Helicopters"]. US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 22 July 2009.</ref> However, South Korea instead chose the [[AW159]] in January 2013.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/south-korea-picks-aw159-for-maritime-helicopter-deal-381045/ "South Korea picks AW159 for maritime helicopter deal"]. ''Flight International'', 15 January 2013.</ref> In July 2010 [[Tunisia]] requested 12 refurbished SH-60Fs through a Foreign Military Sale.<ref>[http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2010/TU_10-11.pdf "Tunisia – Refurbishment of Twelve SH-60F Multi-Mission Helicopters"]. US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 2 July 2010.</ref> But the change in government there in January 2011 may interfere with an order.<ref>[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/SH-60F-Seahawk-Helis-for-Tunisia-06474 SH-60F Seahawk Helis for Tunisia<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

In February 2011, [[India]] rejected the possible Foreign Military Sale of 16 MH-60Rs. Instead, India is considering the S-70B and the [[NHIndustries NH90]] for an acquisition of 16 multirole helicopters for the Indian Navy to replace its aging [[Westland Sea King]] fleet.<ref>[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/india-to-go-for-open-bidding-for-navy-deal-rejects-us-offer/articleshow/7515569.cms "India to go for open bidding for Navy deal, rejects US offer"]. Economic Times, 18 February 2011.</ref>

In 2011 [[Qatar]] requested a potential Foreign Military Sale of up to 6 MH-60R helicopters, engines and other associated equipment.<ref>http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2011/Qatar_11-26.pdf</ref> In late June 2012, Qatar requested another 22 Seahawks, 12 fitted with the armed helicopter modification kit and T700-401C engines with an option to purchase an additional six Seahawks and more engines.<ref>[http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2012/Qatar_12-13.pdf "Qatar – MH-60R and MH-60S Multi-Mission Helicopters"]. US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 28 June 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arabianbusiness.com/qatar-keen-on-2-5bn-us-helicopters-deal-464046.html |title=Qatar keen on $2.5bn US helicopters deal |author=Sambridge, Andy |publisher=ArabianBusiness.com |date=30 June 2012 |accessdate=1 July 2012}}</ref>

==Variants==
===US versions===
[[File:US Navy Helo Master Plan.jpg|thumb|300px|US Navy Helicopter Master Plan, 2004]]
[[File:US Navy 080825-N-5710P-001 Members of Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component conduct night operations..jpg|thumb|right|HH-60H Rescue Hawk from HSC-84 at Balad Air Base in Iraq, 2008]]
[[File:166563-MH-60R-1691.jpg|thumb|View of front of MH-60R, 2010]]

* '''YSH-60B Seahawk''': Developmental version, led to SH-60B; five built.<ref name=dod>[http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/412015l.pdf DoD 4120-15L, ''Model Designation of Military Aerospace Vehicles'']. US DoD, 12 May 2004.</ref>
* '''SH-60B Seahawk''': Anti-submarine warfare helicopter, equipped with an APS-124 search radar and an ALQ-142 ESM system under the nose, also fitted with a 25-tube sonobuoy launcher on the left side and modified landing gear; 181 built for the US Navy.
* '''NSH-60B Seahawk''': Permanently configured for flight testing.<ref name=dod/>
* '''CH-60E''': Proposed troop transport version for the US Marine Corps. Not built.<ref name=Donald_S-70>Donald, David, ed. "Sikorsky S-70". ''The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft''. Barnes & Noble Books, 1997. ISBN 0-7607-0592-5.</ref>
* '''SH-60F "Oceanhawk"''' Carrier-borne anti-submarine warfare helicopter, equipped with dipping sonar; 76 built for the US Navy.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sikorskyarchives.com/S-60B%20(SH-60B%20Seahawk,%20SH-60F%20CV,%20HH-60H%20Rescue%20Hawk,%20HH-60J%20Jayhawk,%20VH-60N).php | title=S-60B (SH-60B Seahawk, SH-60F CV, HH-60H Rescue Hawk, HH-60J Jayhawk, VH-60N) - Sikorsky Archives | publisher=Sikorsky Aircraft}}</ref>{{Dubious|Oceanhawk name|date=April 2013}}
* '''NSH-60F Seahawk''': Modified SH-60F to support the VH-60N Cockpit Upgrade Program.<ref name=dod/>
* '''HH-60H "Rescue Hawk"''': Search and rescue helicopter for the US Navy; 42 built.
* '''XSH-60J''': Two US built pattern aircraft for Japan.
* '''SH-60J''': Anti-submarine warfare helicopter for the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force.
* '''YSH-60R Seahawk''':
* '''MH-60R Seahawk''':
* '''YCH-60S "Knighthawk"''':
* '''MH-60S "Knighthawk"''':
* '''[[Sikorsky HH-60 Jayhawk|HH-60 Jayhawk]]''': US Coast Guard version, developed from HH-60H.

===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 Defense Force. Also known as the [[Mitsubishi SH-60|SH-60J]]. The JMSDF ordered 101 units, with deliveries starting in 1991.
** S-70-4 Seahawk: Sikorsky's designation for the SH-60F Oceanhawk.
** S-70-5: Sikorsky's designation for the HH-60H Rescue Hawk and HH-60J Jayhawk.
** S-70B-6 Aegean Hawk: the Greek military variant which is a blend of the SH-60B and F models, based on Taiwan's S-70C(M)1/2.
** S-70B-7 Seahawk: Export version for the Royal Thai Navy.
** S-70B-28 Seahawk: Export version for Turkey.
* '''S-70C''': Designation for civil variants of the H-60.
** S-70C(M)-1/2 Thunderhawk: Export version for the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy, equipped with an undernose radar and a dipping sonar.
** S-70C-2: 24 radar-equipped UH-60 Black Hawks for China, the delivery of the helicopters was halted by an embargo.
** S-70C-6 Super Blue Hawk: Search and rescue helicopter for Taiwan, equipped with undernose radar, plus provision for four external fuel tanks on two sub wings.
** S-70C-14: VIP transport version for Brunei; two built.
** S-70A (N) Naval Hawk: Maritime variant that blends the S-70A Black Hawk and S-70B Seahawk designs.
* '''S-70L''': Sikorsky's original designation for the SH-60B Seahawk.

==Operators==
[[File:SH-60 Seahawk Operators.png|thumb|400px|SH-60 and MH-60 Seahawk operators]]
[[File:Hellenic Navy S-70B-6 Aegean Hawk (1).JPG|thumb|Hellenic Navy with [[Penguin_(missile)|Penguin missile]]]]
[[File:DD 158 - JDS Umigiri Hangar Deck BB.jpg|thumb|An SH-60J on the hangar deck of the Japanese [[Asagiri class destroyer]] JDS ''Umigiri'' (DD-158)]]
[[File:Seahawk with tail folded.jpg|thumb|MH-60S "Knighthawk" with tail and rotors folded on the {{USS|Mount Whitney|LCC-20}}]]

;{{AUS}}
*[[Royal Australian Navy]] (being replace with 24 MH-60R's) <ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013">{{cite web |last = |first = |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/airspace/media/reports_pdf/emptys/101015/world-air-forces-2013.pdf |title = World Air Forces 2013 |work= |publisher= Flightglobal Insight |date= 2013 |doi = |accessdate= 1 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-06-16/smith-announces-3b-chopper-deal/2760424 |title= Smith announces $3b chopper deal |publisher= abc.net.au |date=|accessdate=1-March-2013}}</ref>
;{{BRA}}
*[[Brazilian Navy]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/>
;{{DEN}}
*[[Danish Navy]] (9 on order)<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/>
;{{GRE}}
*[[Hellenic Navy]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/>
;{{JPN}}
* See [[Mitsubishi H-60|SH-60J/K]]
;{{ESP}}
*[[Spanish Navy]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/>
;{{ROC-TW}}
*[[Republic of China Navy]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/>
;{{SIN}}
*[[Republic of Singapore Navy]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/>
;{{THA}}
*[[Royal Thai Navy]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/>
;{{TUR}}
*[[Turkish Naval Forces]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/>
;{{USA}}
*[[United States Navy]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/>

==Specifications (SH-60B)==
{{aircraft specifications
<!-- If you do not understand how to use this template, please ask at [[Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Aircraft]].
Please answer the following questions. -->
|plane or copter?=copter<!-- options: plane/copter -->
|jet or prop?=prop<!-- options: jet/prop/both/neither -->
<!-- Now, fill out the specs. Please include units where appropriate (main comes first, alt in parentheses). If an item doesn't apply, like capacity, leave it blank. For instructions on using |more general=, |more performance=, |power original=, and |thrust original= see [[Template talk:Aircraft specifications]]. To add a new line, end the old one with a right parenthesis ")", and start a new fully formatted line beginning with *
-->
|ref=Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory,<ref name= brasseys>{{Citation |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}}</ref> Navy fact file,<ref name=navy-sh-60/> and Sikorsky S-70B<ref>S-70B Seahawk Technical Information, 2001.</ref><ref>[http://sikorsky.com/StaticFiles/Sikorsky/Assets/Attachments/Mission%20Downloads/S70-062_S70B_prochure.pdf S-70B Seahawk Mission Brochure]. Sikorsky.com.</ref>
[[File:US Navy 040423-N-4190W-001 Search and Rescue Swimmer (SAR) members sit in a MH-60s Knighthawk helicopter during an vertical replenishment.jpg|thumb|MH-60S empty cabin and sling load mechanism]]
[[File:US Navy 020304-N-0894C-002 USS Kennedy - SH-60.jpg|thumb|right|SH-60 showing an [[M240 machine gun|M240D machine gun]], Hellfire missiles and external fuel tank]]
<!--
General characteristics -->
|crew=3–4
|capacity= 5 passengers in cabin, slung load of {{convert|6000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} or internal load of {{convert|4100|lb|kg|abbr=on}} for B, F and H models; and 11 passengers or slung load of {{convert|9000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} for S-model
|length main= 64 ft 8 in
|length alt= 19.75 m
|length more= (rotors turning)
|span main= 53 ft 8 in
|span alt= 16.35 m
|height main= 17 ft 2 in
|height alt= 5.2 m
|area main= 2,262 ft²
|area alt= 210 m²
|airfoil=
|empty weight main= 15,200 lb
|empty weight alt= 6,895 kg
|loaded weight main= 17,758 lb
|loaded weight alt= 8,055 kg
|loaded weight more= ; for ASW mission
|useful load main= 6,684 lb
|useful load alt= 3,031 kg
|max takeoff weight main= 21,884 lb
|max takeoff weight alt= 9,927 kg
|more general=
<!--
Powerplant -->
|engine (prop)=[[General Electric T700]]-GE-401C
|type of prop=turboshaft
|number of props=2
|power main= 1,890 shp
|power alt= 1,410 kW
|power more= take-off power
|power original=
<!--
Performance -->
|max speed main= {{convert|146|kn|km/h mph|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}
|max speed alt=
|cruise speed main=
|cruise speed alt=
|never exceed speed main= {{convert|180|kn|km/h mph|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}
|never exceed speed alt=
|stall speed main=
|stall speed alt=
|range main= 450 nmi
|range alt= {{convert|518|mi|km|abbr=on|sigfig=3|disp=/ }}
|range more= at cruise speed
|ceiling main= 12,000 ft
|ceiling alt= 3,580 m
|climb rate main= 1,650 ft/min
|climb rate alt= 8.38 m/s
|loading main= <!-- lb/ft² -->
|loading alt= <!-- kg/m² -->
|thrust/weight=<!-- a unitless ratio -->
|power/mass main= <!-- hp/lb -->
|power/mass alt= <!-- kW/kg -->
|more performance=
<!--
Armament -->
|armament=
*Up to three [[Mark 46 torpedo]]s ''or'' [[Mk-54]]s,
*AGM-114 [[Hellfire missile]], 4 Hellfire missiles for SH-60B and HH-60H and MH-60R, 8 Hellfire missiles for MH-60S Block III.
*AGM-119 [[Penguin missile]] (being phased out),
*[[M60 machine gun]] ''or'', [[M240 machine gun]] ''or'' [[M2 Browning machine gun#XM213/M213, XM218, GAU-15/A, GAU-16/A, and GAU-18/A|GAU-16/A]] machine gun ''or'' [[Minigun|GAU-17/A]] Minigun
* Rapid Airborne Mine Clearance System (RAMICS) using [[Bushmaster II|Mk 44 Mod 0]] 30 mm Cannon
{{Main|U.S. Helicopter Armament Subsystems#UH-60 Black Hawk.2FSH-60 Sea Hawk|l1=U.S. Helicopter Armament Subsystems}}
|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{aircontent
|see also=
*[[List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons]]
|related=
*[[Sikorsky S-70]]
*[[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk]]
*[[Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk]]
*[[Sikorsky HH-60 Jayhawk]]
*[[Mitsubishi H-60]]
*[[Piasecki X-49]]
*[[Sikorsky S-92]]/[[CH-148 Cyclone]]
|similar aircraft=
*[[Boeing-Vertol YUH-61]]
*[[Kamov Ka-27]]
*[[Harbin Z-9]]
*[[NHI NH90]]
*[[Westland Lynx]]
|lists=
*[[List of helicopters]]
*[[List of active United States military aircraft]]
}}

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|2}}
;Sources
{{refbegin}}
*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.
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons|SH-60 Seahawk}}
*[http://www.sikorsky.com/vgn-ext-templating-SIK/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=709f45d57ef68110VgnVCM1000001382000aRCRD&vgnextchannel=162f45d57ef68110VgnVCM1000001382000aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&provcmid=bfa955f4a9d98110VgnVCM1000001382000aRCRD&mofvcmid=5a1bebb600e98110VgnVCM1000001382000aRCRD&mofid=4a1bebb600e98110VgnVCM1000001382000a____&movcmid=54b769a3a73a8110VgnVCM1000001382000aRCRD&moid=44b769a3a73a8110VgnVCM1000001382000a____ S-70B 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.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/sh-60.htm SH-60], [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/hh-60h.htm HH-60H], [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/ch-60.htm MH-60S pages on Globalsecurity.org]

{{Sikorsky Aircraft}}
{{US helicopters}}
{{aviation lists}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:H-60 Seahawk}}
[[Category:Military helicopters]]
[[Category:United States military utility aircraft 1970–1979]]
[[Category:United States anti-submarine aircraft 1970–1979]]
[[Category:Royal Australian Navy aircraft]]
[[Category:United States helicopters 1970–1979]]

Revision as of 17:26, 8 April 2013

It flies in the air. Vroom Vroom

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