Sikorsky NSH-60R Seahawk

The Sikorsky NSH‑60R Seahawk is a naval variant of the acclaimed SH‑60 family, developed by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation for the United States Navy and allied forces. First flown in 1995 and entering service in 1998, the R model was built on the proven airframe of the SH‑60B but incorporates advanced avionics, increased payload capacity, and a modernized mission system. Key features include a glass cockpit with multifunction displays, integrated forward‑looking infrared (FLIR) and radar sensors, and the ability to launch and recover a range of weapons such as Hellfire missiles, torpedoes, and the AGM‑114L rocket pods. The aircraft also supports the Navy’s airborne mine counter‑measure (AMCM) and anti‑submarine warfare (ASW) missions through the AN/APS‑148 L‑3 multi‑mode radar and the ALQ‑142 electronic warfare suite. With a maximum take‑off weight of about 22,000 lb and a flight endurance exceeding 10 hours, the NSH‑60R provides essential situational awareness for surface combatants. Its versatility and reliability have made it a cornerstone of modern naval aviation, enhancing fleet protection, maritime surveillance, and joint‑force interoperability across the globe. Several allied navies, including those of Japan, Australia, and Saudi Arabia, have adopted the NSH‑60R, demonstrating its global impact and adaptability to diverse operational environments.