Sikorsky SH-60F Seahawk

The Sikorsky SH‑60F Seahawk, produced by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, entered service in the early 1990s as the United States Navy’s primary anti‑submarine warfare helicopter. Developed from the proven SH‑60B platform, the SH‑60F featured upgraded avionics, a modernized cockpit and enhanced powerplant, allowing it to operate from the flight decks of T‑4 Arleigh Burke‑class destroyers and other surface combatants. Its twin‑engine General Electric T700‑GAS-401 turboshafts provide reliable performance in demanding maritime environments, while the aircraft’s folding main rotor and compact dimensions enable storage aboard crowded warships.

Key capabilities include an integrated sonar system, radar, magnetic anomaly detector, and the ability to deploy sonobuoys, torpedoes and anti‑ship missiles. The helicopter also supports vertical replenishment and search‑and‑rescue missions, making it a versatile asset. Throughout the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and Operation Enduring Freedom, the SH‑60F proved essential for detecting and neutralizing submarine threats, substantially enhancing fleet protection. Its long service life and continual upgrades have cemented the SH‑60F’s reputation as a cornerstone of modern naval aviation, influencing subsequent generations of maritime helicopters worldwide. In addition to U.S. service, several allied navies have acquired the type, and the platform continues to evolve with the latest AN/APG‑77 radar and advanced mission computers.