Sikorsky MH-60 Jayhawk

The Sikorsky MH‑60 Jayhawk is a twin‑engine, medium‑size helicopter developed for the United States Coast Guard and built by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. Its origins trace back to the early 1990s when the Coast Guard sought a versatile replacement for the aging HH‑3F and HH‑52A fleets. Leveraging the proven airframe of the UH‑60 Black Hawk, Sikorsky adapted the platform for maritime missions, delivering the first MH‑60A into service in 1993 and later the upgraded MH‑60K in 2001. The Jayhawk features a robust twin‑engine configuration, a four‑blade main rotor, and a cabin that can accommodate up to ten passengers or a crew of four with cargo space for rescue equipment. Advanced avionics include a glass cockpit, integrated navigation suite, and a forward‑looking infrared sensor system that enhances all‑weather search‑and‑rescue capability. Its versatility allows it to perform law‑enforcement patrols, drug interdiction, environmental monitoring, and medical evacuation. The aircraft’s reliability and adaptability have made it a cornerstone of Coast Guard aviation, establishing a benchmark for maritime helicopter design and influencing subsequent multi‑role rotorcraft worldwide. Over three decades of service, more than 150 Jayhawks have logged millions of flight hours, underscoring their durability and operational value.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

Sikorsky MH-60 Jayhawk

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Design & Classification