The U.S. Navy has continued to invest in the MH-60R since the aircraft was declared operational in 2006. Technology upgrades include the airframe, cockpit avionics, communications, navigation and weapons systems.
Upgrades since 2006
- Link 16 data link: Allows aircraft to exchange situational awareness information and coordinate weapons engagement with other friendly forces.
- Weapons pylon: The addition of a left side pylon enables the MH-60R to carry an additional four Hellfire air-to-surface missiles (for a total of 8 ) or one additional torpedo (for a total of 2)
- SATCOM GPS: A 12-satellite GPS receiver and antenna ensure performance in GPS-jammed environments
- Imaging: Low-light TV mode for the Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) targeting sensor
- IFF: Additional communications capabilities include Identification Friend or Foe mode S and mode 5 systems to positively identify the aircraft to coalition and air traffic controllers
Upgrades through 2013
- Periscope Detection: Automatic Radar Periscope Detection and Discrimination (ARPDD) systems is an upgrade to the AN/APS-147 multi-mode radar that automatically detects submarine periscopes.
- Hawklink: The Ku-band microwave frequency range will replace the current C-band tactical common data link known as ‘Hawklink.’ Ku-band enables streaming video and other high bandwidth data at 10 megabits per second data rates.
- Cockpit interface: An ergonomically-designed trackball allows pilots to more easily interface with the cockpit via drop-down menus and point and click capability.
- Mission Planning: The MH-60R and MH-60S are currently being upgraded to the Joint Mission Planning System, developed by the U.S. Navy and Air Force as a standard mission planning tool that standardizes how aircrews file their mission flight plans.
- Vibration reduction
