U.S. based Lockheed Martin has received a contract from the U.S. Navy to produce eight Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopters for the Spanish Navy (Armada).
Designed, built and integrated with advanced missions systems and sensors for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, the future Armada MH-60R aircraft will significantly upgrade and broaden the range of maritime capabilities currently performed by its SH-60B Seahwak fleet.
Sikorsky is a Lockheed Martin company.
The Armada retired the last of 18 Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King helicopters in 2022 following deliveries that began in 1966.
Further, from 1988 to 2001, the Armada acquired 12 SH-60B aircraft, and more recently, purchased eight SH-60F Seahwak helicopters retired by the U.S. Navy.
Noteworthy, Spain’s eight new MH-60R Seahawk helicopters will join a fleet of 330 worldwide operational with the U.S. Navy, Australia, Denmark, Saudi Arabia and India.
Aircraft deliveries to Greece and South Korea will begin in 2024.
In May, the U.S. Navy announced the global MH-60R fleet had surpassed 1 million flight hours.
About MH-60R Seahawk helicopter
The MH-60R Seahawk helicopter brings transformational anti-submarine (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) capabilities to navies around the world.
Designed and built to U.S. Navy specifications, the ‘Romeo’ aircraft is rugged, powerful, and reliable. Whether operating from shore or ship, MH-60R operators can confidently prosecute the mission, and return home safely.
The MH-60R aircraft is built on four decades of Seahawk learning and knowledge.
- Advanced digital sensors include the multi-mode radar, electronic support measures system, electro-optical/infrared camera, datalinks, aircraft survivability systems, dipping sonar and sonobuoys.
- The fully-integrated mission system processes sensor data to build a complete situational picture of the ocean surface and subsea domain.
- With actionable knowledge, the crew can track, target and engage ships or submarines effectively and efficiently.
- Weapons include torpedoes, air-to-ground missiles and rockets, and crew served guns.
Constant upgrades to aircraft and sensors, and a best-in-class sustainment program are key to the MH-60R aircraft’s unparalleled mission capability, mission availability and flight readiness.
- Lockheed Martin’s Performance Based Logistics program for U.S. Navy MH-60R helicopters enables 95 percent flight readiness and availability — a rate unmatched by other maritime helicopters.
- The U.S. Navy’s MH-60R roadmap will maintain the Romeo’s operational edge to 2045 and beyond.
Source: https://lockheedmartin.com/
