American twin-engine multi-mission maritime helicopter, developed in the late 1970s, widely deployed for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and naval utility operations. Key figures: top speed 270 km/h, range 830 km, service ceiling 3,700 m, max takeoff weight 9,926 kg, built 938. In service with 2 air forces as of 2026 — Japan (100), Spain (18).
| Crew | 3–4 |
| Length | 19.7 m (64.7 ft) |
| Wingspan | 16.4 m (53.7 ft) |
| Height | 5.2 m (17.2 ft) |
| Wing area | 210.2 m² (2262.2 sqft) |
| Empty weight | 6,895 kg (15,201 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 9,926 kg (21,883 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 2 × General Electric T700-GE-401C 1,410 kW each |
| Maximum speed | 270 km/h (168 mph) |
| Operational range | 830 km (516 mi) |
| Service ceiling | 3,700 m (12,139 ft) |
| Climb rate | 8.4 m/s (27.6 ft/s) |
The Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk is a twin-turboshaft, multi-mission naval helicopter based on the U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk. Developed under the U.S. Navy's Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) Mk III program, the Navy selected Sikorsky’s S-70B design in 1978. IBM served as the prime systems integrator, and Sikorsky manufactured the airframe, maintaining 83% commonality with the UH-60A. Structural modifications for shipboard storage include folding main rotor blades, a folding tail pylon, and shifting the tail landing gear 13 feet forward. The YSH-60B prototype first flew on 12 December 1979, and the first production SH-60B flew on 11 February 1983. Power is provided by two General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines. Avionics and sensors vary by model, with the SH-60B using the APS-124 search radar and a 25-tube pneumatic sonobuoy launcher, while the newer MH-60R and S models feature an integrated glass cockpit with four digital displays.
The Seahawk carries weapons on designated pylons and cabin mounts. Offensive armaments include up to two Mk 46, Mk 50, or Mk 54 lightweight torpedoes, and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles (up to four on the SH-60B, HH-60H, and MH-60R, and eight on the MH-60S). Defensive systems include cabin-door-mounted M60, M240, GAU-16, or GAU-17/A machine guns. The helicopter has a maximum slung load capacity of 6,000 lb (2,700 kg).
The U.S. Navy received its first production SH-60B in 1983, with operational deployment beginning in 1985. During the 1991 Gulf War, SH-60Bs performed surface surveillance, tracked Iraqi naval assets, and directed coalition air and surface strikes. The U.S. Navy formally retired the SH-60B in 2015, followed by the SH-60F and HH-60H in 2016. Export operators include Australia, Spain, Denmark, Japan, India, Singapore, Greece, South Korea, Turkey, Brazil, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, and Norway.
Commander Gabriel Edwards, commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5, died after his MH-60S ditched in the Arabian Sea on July 1. Three crew members were rescued; the Navy suspended its search after more than four days.
