SH-60B Seahawk
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Sikorsky SH-60B Seahawk
The SH-60B is designed to operate as an integral fighting unit aboard specifically configured Oliver Hazard Perry (FFG-7) class Guided Missile Frigates, Spruance (DDG-963) class Destroyers, Kidd (DDG-993), class Guided Missile Destroyers and Ticonderoga (CG-47) class Guided Missile Cruisers.
The SH-60B Seahawk is a single main rotor, twin-engine helicopter, manufactured by United Technologies Corporation, Sikorsky Division. The 21,110 pound (9,575 kg) SH-60B Seahawk is powered by two 1940 shp (1,450 kW) turbo-shaft engines and has a maximum speed of 180 knots (333 km/h). With an endurance of three to four hours depending on its mission, the Seahawk can patrol out to a range in excess of 100 nautical miles (185 km). The SH-60B can carry a substantial amount of cargo for vertical replenishment missions, either internal or slung from its 6000 lb (2,700 kg) test cargo hook.
What makes the SH-60B different from other helicopters, such as the US Army's Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, is its capability to fully integrate with LAMPS capable warships. The Light Airborne Multipurpose System (LAMPS) is part of a complete weapon (ship/air) system designed to keep sea lanes open, and to protect high value military and commercial ships during a major conflict.
The SH-60B has a large suite of electronic sensors including radar, electronic support measures (ESM), forward looking infrared (FLIR), and passive/active underwater sonar. All of this equipment is networked into a centralized tactical computer allowing the aircraft to act as a distant and elevated platform for sensors, remote classification/detection, and weapon delivery. All of the information gathered by aircraft sensors are passed back to the ship via a high speed digital radio signal. Personnel located in the ship's Combat Information Center (CIC) can not only view the information in real time, but can also control many of the helicopter's systems remotely. This system extends the ship's sensor, tactical control and attack capabilities while minimizing the risk of counterattack or detection by an enemy.