Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk is a twin turboshaft engine, multi-mission helicopter based on the airframe of the United States Army/Air Force UH-60 BlackHawk.

The US Navy utilizes the H-60 airframe under the model designations SH-60B, SH-60F, HH-60H, MH-60S and the MH-60R which is still in development. Able to deploy aboard any air-capable frigate, destroyer, cruiser, fast combat support ship, amphibious assault ship or aircraft carrier the "Seahawk" provides multi-mission capabilities for the fleet. Missions include 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.

The Seahawk is an integral part of the ship's weapons and sensor systems. With its unique sensor suite and integrated weapons systems the helicopter extends the combat radius of the ship by finding, localising and attacking where appropriate, surface or submarine targets either independently or in conjunction with other forces.

A typical Seahawk mission involves up to three hours of low level operations over the sea, day or night, in all weather conditions, often recovering to a ship's deck which pitches and rolls dramatically in heavy seas, and is generally wet with spray.

The Seahawk's sensors include: search radar, magnetic anomaly detector and sonics processing for both active and passive sonobuoys. Both forward-looking infra-red and electronic support measures are also to be fitted. The Seahawk's main weapon is the Mk46 anti-submarine torpedo.

TECHNICAL DATA

Length 19.8 metres

Height 5.2 metres

Width 16.4 metres (rotors spread)

Weight 9947 kg

Speed 330 kph

Range 1295 km

Crew 3 (Pilot, Tactical Coordinator, Sensor Operator)

Engines Two GE T-700 Turboshaft

Weapon Systems Two Mk46 Torpedo One 7.62 machine gun

The Seahawk for SF now avilable at CombatAce!: