Sikorsky has celebrated the production of 100 MH-60R and 200 MH-60S Seahawk helicopters for the US Navy, with both types having accrued a combined total of 460,000 flight hours in the service.
Designed to replace the CH-46D, UH-3H, HH-1N and HH-60H helicopters in service, the MH-60S ‘Knighthawk’ entered service in 2002 and has flown more than 370,000 hours since.
The MH-60R ‘Romeo’ entered service in 2006 and has accumulated 90,000 hours, replacing the SH-60B and SH-60F in US Navy service.
“MH-60 helicopters perform an important role protecting the fleet and its sailors, and conducting a host of multi-mission operations,” said Rear Adm Paul Grosklags, vice commander, US Navy Naval Air Systems Command. “Our Navy pilots and crew fly with the knowledge that these aircraft not only are proven operationally at sea, but are made by a company with a proven track record of helicopter manufacturing excellence.”
MH-60 airframes are manufactured by Sikorsky in Hartford, Connecticut. The MH-60R’s mission system is designed and installed by Lockheed Martin at Owego, New York.
The MH-60R is under consideration for the Royal Australian Navy’s Air 9000 Phase 8 Naval Combat Helicopter replacement program, a decision on which is expected by mid-year.
