SH-60B/F Sea Hawk

US Navy SH-60B Sea Hawk

In service since 1983 (SH-60B) and 1989 (SH-60F), the Sikorsky SH-60 Sea Hawk is the US Navy's primary anti-submarine and surface warfare helicopter. The SH-60B operates from frigates and destroyers and provides protection for the fleet's outer ring whilst the SH-60F operates from carriers and protects the inner zone.

For the SH-60B's anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions, it carries 25 active sonar buoys. When it's mothership's sonar detects a submarine in the vicinity, the Sea Hawk drops a line of active buoys which provide a rough fix on its position. The SH-60B then deploys a towed ASQ-81 Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) probe, which analyses fluctuations in the planet's magnetic field, to obtain an exact position of the enemy sub. Once pinpointed, a Mark 46 or Mark 50 torpedo is dropped into the water which automatically homes onto the target.

The SH-60B also protects against small surface contacts. It can carry AGM-119 Penguin anti-ship missiles or AGM-114 Hellifre missiles. A LAU/16 .50 caliber door gun can also be carried. Secure data link antennas allow the mothership to obtain real time sensor data from the helicopter, effectively extending it's own range of view.

The SH-60F protects the fleet's carriers in a mission known as 'CV-Helo'. Instead of the MAD probe, it employs a Bendix AN/AQS-13f dipping sonar to compliment it's 14 active sonar buoys. It also carries out 'plane-guard' missions - remaining on station to recover crashed pilots taking off from or landing on the carrier, and general Search and Rescue (SAR) and utility roles.

SH-60B/F Sea Hawk Specifications

The SH-60B/F Sea Hawk has a Forward Looking InfraRed (FLIR) turret mounted in the nose. The fleet's anti-submarine screen has to be able to operate day and night in all weathers and the FLIR makes this possible.

The Sh-60B also carries the ALQ-142 ESM which analyses electronic signals and a APS-124 search radar. Other exclusive avionics include the ARQ-44 data link.

Crew	Pilot, Co-pilot + 1 sensor operator (SH-60B) Pilot, Co-pilot + 2 sensor operators (SH-60F)
Engines	2× General Electric T-700-GE-401C 1,620 hp turboshafts
Dimensions	L - 22.15m W (rotor diameter) - 18.9m H - 5.13m
Weights	6,191 kg (empty) 9,182 kg (max loadout)
Max Speed	234 kph
Range	966 km
Armament	3 x Mark 46 / Mark 50 torpedoes agm-119b Penguin anti-ship missile (SH-60B) AGM-114 hellfire missile 1 door gun
Avionics	Bendix AN/AQS-13f Dipping Sonar (SH-60B) ASQ-81 Magnetic Anomaly Detector (SH-60F) 25 sonar buoys (SH-60B) 14 sonar buoys (SH-60F) APS-124 search radar (SH-60B) ALQ-142 ESM (SH-60B) AAS-44 FLIR Forward Looking InfraRed (FLIR) (SH-60B) ARR-84 sonarbouy receiver doppler navigation aids GPS TACAN ALE-139 chaff/flare dispensers

The cabins of the SH-60 Sea Hawk are packed with sophisticated instruments that monitor the various senor buoys and probes deployed in the hunt for subs and ships.

Upon finding a lurking enemy sub, the SH-60B/F can engage it with a Mark 46 torpedo. A small parachute slows the torpedo's descent when dropped form high altitude.

SH-60B/F SEA HAWK FEATURES

engine modified for use at sea
hover-on-one-engine capability
folding tail, tailplane and rotors
flare and chaff launchers
winch for recovery of personnel from the water
all-weather capability
advanced electronic sensors
secure data link (SH-60B) to friendly ships.

sh-60b sea hawk firing a penguin missile

The SH-60B can carry the AGM-119 Penguin anti-ship missile. The Norwegian-built Penguin is an infra-red seeking, sea-skimming missile with a range of 34-55 km.

U.S. DOD photo by PH2 LISA AMAN, USN

INTERNAL LINKS
sh-60 sea hawk photos :
sea hawk firing hellfire
sea hawk video:
sh-60b/f sea hawks in action
EXTERNAL LINKS
Sikorsy website - info on the Sea Hawk range of naval helicopters

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