Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk
Type: Naval Helicopter
Domain: air
Country of Origin: United States
Manufacturer: Sikorsky Aircraft (Lockheed Martin)
Overview
American maritime helicopter procured by New Zealand for Royal New Zealand Navy anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. New Zealand ordered 9 MH-60R Seahawk early 2020s with confirmed decision 2026 and deliveries expected late 2020s. Features advanced sensors including dipping sonar, sonobuoys, radar, torpedoes, Hellfire missiles, operations from ANZAC-class frigates. Replaces legacy SH-2G Super Seasprite providing quantum leap in capability particularly anti-submarine warfare. Critical given Chinese submarine activity in Pacific and New Zealand's vast maritime domain. Enables New Zealand frigates to detect and prosecute submarines at extended range. Close integration with Australian and US MH-60R fleets enhancing interoperability. Represents major New Zealand maritime capability investment recognizing deteriorating regional security.
Technical Specifications
| crew | 4 |
|---|---|
| radar | AN/APS-147 multimode inverse SAR, AQS-22 dipping sonar |
| engine | 2x GE T700-GE-401C turboshaft, 1,890 shp each |
| armament | 3x Mk 54 torpedoes, 2x AGM-114 Hellfire, M240 machine gun, HAAS buoys |
| length_m | 19.8 |
| range_km | 834 |
| weight_kg | 10618 |
| max_speed_kmh | 280 |
| rotor_diameter_m | 16.4 |
| service_ceiling_m | 5790 |
Operators
- Australia
- Denmark
- Greece
- India
- Japan
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Türkiye
- United States
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