Naval Air Station North Island is home base of the US Navy West Coast MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters. Patrick Dirksen and Frank Mink were invited to two squadrons at NAS North Island to learn more about the backbone of the US Navy helicopter fleet, one flying the S or Sierra and the other flying the R or Romeo version.
The MH-60S version is the successor of the CH-46D helicopters. Helicopter sea combat squadron HSC-14, nicknamed The Warriors, are equipped with the latest model MH-60S block 3B Knighthawk. HSC-14 is attached to the Carrier Air Wing 9 with the carrier USS John C. Stennis. During deployment on the carrier, the MH-60S fulfils a multitude of tasks. “We are responsible to have a plane guard airborne, whenever fixed wing operations off the carrier are ongoing; it’s our bread and butter. Aircrew are ready to jump off the helicopter to pick up downed aviators or sailors that fell overboard” stated one of the pilots of the squadron. Apart from guarding missions, the MH-60S is used for vertical replenishment tasks within the strike group. It also performs medical evacuations from ships when needed.
Maritime Strike Coordination and Reconnaissance (SCAR) missions are often flown for example when the carrier group sail through restricted water passages. The MH-60S is the primary defence for the carrier in a two mile zone around it. To deal with any threat, the helicopter can be equipped with various weapons such as a fixed M197 20mm Gatling gun or M299 launchers with 4 pack Hellfire missiles to door mounted M240D machine guns and GAU 21 20mm guns.
For Naval Special Warfare (NSW), the spacious MH-60S cabin can hold a team that is trained to take down ships or oil rigs. These teams can be inserted by a fast rope that can be attached to the hoist. A small Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC) can be placed under the helicopter. The MH-60S is also used for parachute operations by SEAL teams and furthermore as a sniper platform as well. During NSW missions, the MH-60S also provides close air support and casualty evacuation.
When at home, HSC-14 is always ready for on call disaster response. To fight fires, the MH-60S can be equipped with a Bambi bucket that can contain up to 530 gallons of water.
Anti-surface warfare is performed by Recognised Maritime Picture (RMP) missions. These are often ordered by the Strike Group Admiral when he wants to have a clear picture of what is around his Group. Out here comes the cooperation between the MH-60R and S versions. The MH-60R is packed to teeth with sensors and can direct the MH-60S to a specific target to strike it.
Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron HSM-75, called Wolfpack, has anti-surface, anti-subsurface, command and control, magnetic detection and early warning tasks as its primary missions. The SH-60B Seahawk was the predecessor of the MH-60R Seahawk and was exclusively used on US Navy frigates and destroyers. With the introduction of the Romeo, HSM-75 is also deployed to carriers.
The MH-60Rs of HSM-75 are equipped with the APS-153 multi-mode radar system which is a huge improvement over the previous APS-147 system. The APS-153 is mounted in the radome beneath the cockpit and is the primary sensor for surface warfare. It is tailored for maritime operations.
Another powerful sensor is the AQS-22 Advanced Airborne Low-frequency dipping sonar. This is used for anti-submarine warfare (ASW). The acoustic information is interpreted by the sensor operator who sits behind a workstation in the cabin. A sonobuoy launcher is situated on the aft left side in the cabin. It can contain 25 buoys that could be launched by an air pressure system. Depending on the mission, the sensor operator can choose from three type of buoys. The SSQ-53 is a passive buoy that has a hydrophone to locate targets. The SSQ-62 Directional Activated Sonobuoy System (DICASS) is an active buoy which can be remotely operated. The MH-60S can also carry up to three lightweight ATK mk.46 or mk.54 torpedoes to attack sub-surface targets.
Both the cockpit crew and the sensor operator have a mission display which can display all acoustic info, camera and radar images and early warning information. Apart from sharing sensor information onboard, the MH-60R can communicate through UHF, VHF, maritime radio and SATCOM. It can also share sensor data with others via Link 16.
The MH-60 Romeo and Sierra both have the same Lockheed Martin cockpit avionics suit. Four multi-functional displays provide flight and tactical data. The cockpit is equipped with dual hydraulically boosted flight controls. To gain situational awareness at night, the crew have helmet mounted ANVS-9 night vision goggles and the cockpit is NVG capable.
For self-defence, a Countermeasures Dispensing set contains an AAR-47 missile and laser warning set, ALQ-144 infrared jammer and ALE-39 chaff and flare dispensers. The ALQ-210 Electronic Support Measures system provides situational awareness and threat warning. Engine exhaust deflectors decrease the heat signature of the helicopter and the dull grey paint scheme also absorbs radar energy.
We would like to thank the Naval Air Force Pacific Fleet PAO, the crew of HSM-75 and HSC14 for their assistance.
Text and photos: Patrick Dirksen and Frank Mink from Tristar Aviation
