First Norwegian Pilots Certified on MH-60R Seahawk

Forsvaret, August 06, 2024 - Six months after the decision to replace the NH-90 with American Seahawk helicopters, the first pilots were in place in the USA, to learn how to operate this well-proven type of helicopter.

Now, after nine months of theory, simulators and flying, three of the pilots have completed their courses and are certified by the US Navy on the helicopter type.

Most people who are trained helicopter pilots in the Air Force know the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from their basic training in the US Army. The Seahawk belongs to the same family and has been developed with the Black Hawk as a starting point. The Seahawk is of course a far more advanced platform than the Black Hawks that are used for basic training, and the training has thus consisted of far more than flying the helicopter.

The first helicopters are intended for the Coast Guard

Although the first helicopters that Norway buys are intended for the Coast Guard, the training has included training in the use of the helicopters' equipment, sensors and weapons for anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare and search and rescue, says Lieutenant Colonel Jann Olav Lande. He is one of the three who can now call themselves Seahawk eligible. Lande says that the helicopter has the skills and sensors that are expected, and that it is available in several versions.

Lande will now return to Norway to contribute to the reception, testing and evaluation of the first "Norwegian" helicopters, which are scheduled to be delivered in 2026. The other two pilots will continue to Denmark, where Norway also has operational and technical personnel under training on the helicopter. Everything is happening in preparation for Norway getting its own Seahawk helicopters.

Training at the same location as P-8A crews

The training on the MH-60R takes place not far from the place in the USA where the Air Force's P-8A crews also receive their training. The occasion was therefore marked with a gathering of more than 30 Norwegians.

The helicopter pilots' termination also coincided with three new P-8A operators nearing their certification as crew members. This involves the allocation of a System Operator wing and appointment as a System Operator in the Air Force, this will be duly marked upon return to the department.

All six are congratulated on their solid efforts and completion of demanding education. They are welcomed back to their respective departments where they will contribute to the achievement of the assignments with phasing in and operational deliveries.