The Navy’s Helicopter Master Plan calls for the fleet to streamline its rotorcraft types to two from six. The MH-60R multi-mission helicopter combines the capabilities of the Navy’s legacy SH-60B ‘Bravo’ and SH-60F ‘Foxtrot’ helicopters into a single sensor-rich platform operated by a three-person crew.
The Romeo’s mission computers are highly effective at analyzing and processing sensor data, which is key to the helicopter’s success in detecting and tracking targets.
The helicopter operates from frigates, destroyers, cruisers, amphibious ships and aircraft carriers and is suitable for intense littoral warfare operations for handling numerous contacts in confined spaces, and for open-water operations.
SEAHAWK Helicopter Family
SH-60B
- Entered service in 1984
- Also known as LAMPS Mark III or Light
- Airborne Multi-Purpose System
- Designed to operate off frigates
- Missions include ASW and ASuW
SH-60F CV Helo
- Entered service in 1986
- Incorporates the ASQ-13F active dipping sonar
- Missions include close-in ASW for carrier groups and CSAR
HH-60H
- Entered service in 1989
- Aircraft Survivability Equipment and defense systems resemble the UH-60 BLACK HAWK
- Missions include Combat Strike Rescue and Special Warfare
MH-60S ‘Sierra’
- Entered service in 2002
- Part 1 of the USN Master Helo Plan to consolidate all mission capabilities into two aircraft
- Utilizes U.S. Army UH-60L Airframe while retaining SEAHAWK shipboard attributes
- Missions include VERTREP, CSAR, Transport, Armed-Helo and AMCM
MH-60R ‘Romeo’
- Entered service in 2006
- Part 2 of the USN Master Helo Plan to consolidate all mission capabilities into two aircraft
- Missions include ASW, ASuW and CSAR
- Over 43,000 flight hours achieved through Sept., 2010
