Description: The SH-60B Seahawk is an anti-submarine helicopter developed from the UH-60A Blackhawk for the U.S. Navy to replace the SH-2 Seasprite. Development began in the late 1970s with the prototype’s first flight occurring in 1979. The helicopter features several changes from the U.S. Army’s Blackhawk including more powerful engines, greater fuel capacity, weapons pylons capable of carrying torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, a surface search radar, and 25 sonobuoys. The Seahawk entered service in 1983 and operated primarily from frigates, destroyers, and cruisers.

General Overview:
Popular Name:
Seahawk
Years Produced:
1983-1996
Base Airframe:
Navalized UH-60A with LAMPS III integration
Operator:
U.S. Navy
Role:
Anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), surveillance, targeting
Crew:
3–4 (pilot, co-pilot, sensor operator, aircrewman)
Engines:
2 × GE T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines
Passenger Capacity:
Mission crew and limited cargo
Cargo Hook Capacity:
6,000 lb.
Mission:

The SH-60B was deployed aboard surface combatants to conduct long-range detection and engagement of submarines and surface threats. Using its onboard radar, magnetic anomaly detector, sonobuoys, and datalink, it could operate independently or in coordination with the ship's combat systems. The helicopter also supported over-the-horizon targeting and search-and-rescue operations.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
  • AN/APS-124 surface search radar mounted under nose
  • Tail-mounted MAD (Magnetic Anomaly Detector) boom
  • Sonobuoy launcher on left side of fuselage
  • Extended stub wings for avionics and torpedo carriage
  • Folding rotor and tail for shipboard stowage
  • Shielded tail wheel moved forward for deck handling compatibility
Avionics:
  • LAMPS Mk III mission suite with secure datalink (AN/SRQ-4)
  • AN/APS-124 surface search radar
  • AN/ASQ-81 MAD sensor
  • Sonobuoy processor and acoustic gear
  • Standard UHF/VHF radios and navigation systems
Armament Options:

Offensive:

  • 2 × Mk 46 or Mk 50 lightweight torpedoes (mounted on external pylons)
  • Mk-36 Mine
  • Mk-35 depth charge
  • One M60D or M240H 7.62mm machine gun
  • One AGM-119 Penguin missile
  • AGM-84 Harpoon

Defensive:

  • No fixed weapons; crew may be armed with personal weapons
  • Chaff/flare dispensers and IR countermeasures (on later versions)

Did You Know?

  • 📌The SH-60B carried a 25-tube pneumatic Sonobuoy launcher on the left side. The Sonobuoys were deployed in a pattern to provide the direction in which sound is emerging underwater.
  • 📌The helicopter could also carry the Hellfire air-to-surface missile to engage fast attack craft and small, armed ships. Target acquisition is carried out using the AAS-44 thermal imaging unit with a laser designator.