The MH-60S Seahawk was developed for the US Navy as a multi mission helicopter undertaking roles of anti-surface warfare, vertical replenishment, combat search and rescue (CSAR), special warfare support and airborne mine countermeasures. 132 ordered by 2006.
The MH-60S is based on the Army UH-60 Black Hawk but with the engines, drivetrain and rotors of the naval SH-60 Seahawk. A converted UH-60 prototype first flew on January 27, 2000. It was originally ordered in 1998 as the CH-60S, and unofficially known as Knighthawk, but was redesignated MH (multi-mission) in 2001. Replaced the UH-46 Sea Knight (Hence, the Knight Hawk) in the logistic role, the land-based UH-3H Sea King and the carrier-based CSAR HH-60H Seahawks. This resulted in the merger of the HC and HS squadrons into the new HSC units
Its main visible difference between other Seahawks is the aft-mounted tail wheel like those used by Army's Black Hawks. The MH-60S has a common cockpit shared with the MH-60R which allow a pilot to shift from one aircraft to another with minimal re-training.
On January 2013 was suggested that in their intended airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) mission, the MH-60S equipped with the AQS-20A sonar may not be operationally effective or suitable because the helicopter is underpowered and cannot safely tow the sonar under the wide variety of conditions necessary. By 2017 MH-60S operates Airborne Mine Neutralization Systems AMNS.
MH-60S deploys in expeditionary-armed helicopter detachments that execute naval special warfare, amphibious search and rescue, theater security cooperation, strike coordination and reconnaissance, anti-surface warfare, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief and utility missions in support of the fleet.
Its main visible difference between other Seahawks is the aft-mounted tail wheel like those used by Army's Black Hawks. The MH-60S has a common cockpit shared with the MH-60R which allow a pilot to shift from one aircraft to another with minimal re-training.
On January 2013 was suggested that in their intended airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) mission, the MH-60S equipped with the AQS-20A sonar may not be operationally effective or suitable because the helicopter is underpowered and cannot safely tow the sonar under the wide variety of conditions necessary. By 2017 MH-60S operates Airborne Mine Neutralization Systems AMNS.
MH-60S deploys in expeditionary-armed helicopter detachments that execute naval special warfare, amphibious search and rescue, theater security cooperation, strike coordination and reconnaissance, anti-surface warfare, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief and utility missions in support of the fleet.
List of Operators of MH-60S Seahawk |
Years | Model | Org | |
---|---|---|---|
1983- | S-70 H-60 | US Navy | |
1997- | S-70 H-60 | Royal Thai Navy |
Global Distribution of MH-60S Seahawk |
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