MH-60 Seahawk is a twin turboshaft engine, multi-mission helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company. It is based on UH-60 Black Hawk of the US Army.
It is one of the most advanced maritime helicopters in the world and can operate from frigates, destroyers, cruisers and aircraft carriers. Its mission performance is second to none.
Its missions include (but are not limited to) Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) / Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), Special Operations / Search & Rescue (SAR), Utility / Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), Command and Control (C2).
Lockheed Martin claims 98% Availability (Ready Basic Aircraft), less than $5K (USD) cost per flight hour & lowest life-cycle cost in its class.
What MH-60R helicopters mean for the Indian Navy?
The MH-60R helicopters will bolster the anti-submarine warfare capability of the Indian Navy and will replace its ageing British-built Seaking 42B helicopters. These helicopters will be essential to counter the rapidly growing Chinese naval forces. The helicopters will be modified versions to suit certain India-specific weapons and equipment. The deal can also be seen as a sign of growing India-US relations.
History of the MH-60R
The maiden flight of the Romeo took place in July 2001.
In October 2007, the US Navy established the first of five MH-60R squadrons, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71 at Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island, San Diego.
The Indian navy has ordered 24 of these helicopters under a deal of $2.13 billion ( 15,157 crore INR) inked in 2020.
The MH-60 is currently in service with US navy, Royal Danish navy, Royal Australian Navy & Royal Saudi Defence forces.
Weapons, Armament & Avionics of the MH-60R
Mk-54 anti-submarine torpedoes
AGM-114 Hellfire missiles
Glass cockpit with 4 fully coloured multi-functional displays that are night-vision goggle compatible and sunlight-readable.
The helicopter is fitted with a Lockheed Martin AN/ALQ-210 electronic support measures system (ESM).
Electronic warfare systems include the ATK AN/AAR-47 missile warner, laser warning system, BAE Systems AN / ALQ-144 infrared jammer and AN / ALE-39 chaff and flare decoy dispenser.
How it hunts submarines
MH-60 Romeo is equipped with a sonobuoy launcher and a Raytheon AN / AQS-22 advanced airborne low-frequency (ALFS) dipping sonar.
A sonobuoy is a portable sonar system that, when dropped from an aircraft or a ship, can help in detecting submarines and conducting underwater research.
Engines and performance of the MH-60R
The helicopter is powered by two General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines rated at 1,425kW. The internal self-sealing fuel tanks have a capacity of 2,230l.
MH-60R can climb at a rate of 8.38m/s.
The maximum and cruise speed of the helicopter are 267km/h and 168km/h respectively, while the range is 834km.
The service ceiling of the helicopter is 3,438m. The helicopter weighs around 6,895kg and has a maximum take-off weight of 10,659kg.
Term Breakdown-
Turbo-shaft engines- A turboshaft engine is a variant of a jet engine that has been optimised to produce shaft power to drive machinery instead of producing thrust.
Maiden flight- It is the first official flight of an aircraft or the flight on which an aircraft leaves ground on its own power.
Self-sealing fuel tank- In aviation, self-sealing fuel tank is a fuel tank technology in wide use since World War II that prevents fuel tanks from leaking fuel and igniting after being damaged by enemy fire.
Comments