MH-60R/S Seahawk at NAS North Island
Indian Navy in line for 1st MH-60R deliveries soon
The Indian Navy has selected the MH-60R Seahawk to replace its aging Sea King helicopters, with first deliveries expected by the end of 2020. They will become the fifth operator of the type globally. The first and largest operator of the MH-60R is the US Navy and the Naval Air Station North Island is home base of the US Navy West coast MH-60 helicopters.
Patrick Dirksen and Frank Mink were invited to visit two squadrons at NAS North Island to learn more about this backbone of the US Navy helicopter fleet, one operating the ‘S’ or Sierra and the other flying the ‘R’ or Romeo version.
MH-60S
The MH-60S version is successor of the CH- 46D helicopter and helicopter sea combat squadron HSC-14, The Warriors are equipped with the latest model MH-60S block 3B Knighthawk. MH-60s deployed on the carrier performs various naval operations including SAR, vertical replenishment tasks within the Strike Group and medical evacuation from ships as needed.
However, the MH-60S is primary defence for the carrier around the two mile zone. To deal with any threat, the helicopter is equipped with various weapons, including a fixed M197 20mm Gatling gun or M299 launchers with a four pack Hellfire missiles to door mounted M240D machine guns and GAU 21 20mm guns.
For Naval Special Warfare ( NSW) operations, the spacious MH-60S cabin can accommodate a team trained to neutralise ships or oil rigs. These teams can be inserted by fast rope attached to the hoist. A small Combat Rubber Raiding Craft ( CRRC) can also be placed under the helicopter to be used by the team whenever needed for operations. The MH-60S is also used for parachute operations by SEAL teams and as a sniper platform. During NSW missions, the MH-60S also provides close air support and casualty evacuation.
To fight fires, the MH- 60S can be equipped with a Bambi bucket which contains 530 gallons of water. When operated for fire fighting missions, the helicopter is given clear markings for recognition by the fire fighters.
MH-60R
Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron HSM- 75, Wolfpack, has anti- surface, anti-subsurface, Command & Control, magnetic detection and early warning tasks as its primary mission. The SH-60B Seahawk was predecessor of the MH-60R Seahawk and was exclusively deployed on Navy frigates and destroyers but with introduction of the Romeo, HSM-75 now is also deployed on carriers.
The MH- 60Rs of HSM- 75 are equipped with the APS-153 multi-mode radar system, a major improvement over the previous APS-147 system. The APS153 is mounted in the radome beneath the cockpit and is the primary sensor for surface warfare in maritime operations.
Another key sensor is the AQS-22 Advanced Airborne Low- frequency dipping sonar, used for anti-submarine warfare (ASW). The acoustic information is interpreted by the sensor operator at his workstation in the cabin. A sonobuoy launcher is situated on the aft left side in the cabin. Containing 25 buoys, these
are launched by an air pressure system, depending on the mission, the sensor operator choosing from three types of buoys. The SSQ-53 is a passive buoy that has a hydrophone to locate targets, the SSQ-62 Directional Activated Sonobuoy System (DICASS) is an active buoy which can be remotely operated, the third type is the SSQ-36 environmental buoy which monitors the water temperature versus the depth. The MH-60S can also carry up to three lightweight ATK Mk.46 or Mk. 54 torpedoes to attack sub- surface targets.
Both the cockpit crew and the sensor operator have mission displays which show all acoustic info, camera and radar images and early warning information. The MH60R can communicate through UHF, VHF, maritime radio and SATCOM and it can also share sensor data via Link 16.
The MH-60 Romeo and Sierra both have the same Lockheed Martin cockpit avionics suite. Four multi- functional displays provide flight and tactical data, the cockpit equipped with dual hydraulically boosted flight controls. To gain situational awareness at night, the crew have helmet mounted ANVS-9 night vision goggles and the cockpit is NVG capable.
As the basic H-60 model is an army design, many systems are made redundant. Fuel is stored in two separate self-sealing bladder tanks and additional fuel can be stored in external fuel tanks which give the helicopter an additional flying hour per tank. Two General Electric T700-GE401C engines are each rated at 2000HP.
The helicopter is able to fly in light icing conditions with a heated rotor blade system and an engine anti-icing system.
For self defence, a Countermeasures Dispensing set contains an AAR- 47 missile and laser warning set, ALQ-144 infrared jammer and ALE-39 chaff and flare dispensers. The ALQ-210 Electronic Support Measures system provides situational awareness and threat warning. Engine exhaust deflectors decrease the heat signature of the helicopter while the dull grey paint scheme also absorbs radar energy.
We would like to thank the Naval Air Force Pacific Fleet PAO and the crews of HSM-75 and HSC-14 for their assistance.