Sikorsky chosen to build 37 ship-based Navy helicopters in half-billion-dollar contract modification
REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala., 12 Jan. 2014. Military helicopter designers at Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. in Stratford, Conn., will build 37 sophisticated maritime helicopters for the U.S. Navy under terms of a $549.9 million contract modification announced late Thursday.
Sikorsky will provide the Navy with 18 MH-60S Seahawk airborne search and counter-mine helicopters, as well as 19 MH-60R anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare helicopters under terms of the contract, awarded on behalf of the Navy by the U.S. Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, Ala.
The MH-60S Seahawk helicopter, typically based aboard Navy aircraft carriers and other surface warships, is designed to perform vertical replenishment (VERTREP), combat search and rescue (CSAR), special warfare support, and airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) missions. Additionally, in its armed configuration, it can conduct anti-surface warfare (ASUW).
The MH-60R Seahawk helicopter has a mix of sophisticated sensors for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare roles. It is designed to operate from frigates, destroyers, cruisers, and aircraft carriers.
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The MH-60S has two engines, cruises as fast as 156 knots, can fly as high as 14,700 feet, and can fit seats for 12 troops and two crew members. It has Enhanced Advanced Flight Control System (AFCS) avionics, four 8-by-10-inch color, night-vision-capable mission and flight displays, inertial navigation system, and secure VHF/UHF communications.
The MH-60R Seahawk helicopter has two engines, cruises as fast as 144 knots, can fly as high as 14,847 feet, an external rescue hoist, and a 6,000-pound external cargo hook. It has AFCS avionics, four 8-by-10-inch color displays, secure VHF and UHF radio communications, and forward-looking infrared sensor and night-vision goggles capability.
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For more information contact Sikorsky Aircraft online at www.sikorsky.com.
