The newest aircraft in the U.S. Navy fleet, the MH-60R SEAHAWK® helicopter elevates tactical maritime mission capability to a new level, by far surpassing previous fleet capability. With its state-of-the-art avionics, mission systems and cockpit, the MH-60R helicopter is the world’s most capable naval helicopter available today.  The MH-60R helicopter is a modern, flexible weapon system that meets the U.S. Navy’s war-fighting needs for high-density, information-intensive littoral and open-ocean maritime environments.

The MH-60R combines all of the traditional missions of its Navy predecessors, the SH-60B and SH-60F helicopters. Greatly enhanced over these earlier models, the MH-60R helicopter features an upgraded glass cockpit and significant mission improvements for greater flexibility. The MH-60R helicopter is designed to operate from frigates, destroyers, cruisers and aircraft carriers.

The primary missions of the MH-60R include Surface Warfare (SUW)  and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW).  Secondary missions include search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), vertical replenishment (VERTREP), and naval surface fire support (NSFS).  

Primary Missions

When used in an SUW mission, the aircraft provides a mobile, elevated platform for observing, identifying, and localizing threat platforms beyond the parent ship's radar and/or electronic support measure (ESM) horizon. When a suspected threat is detected, classification and targeting data is provided to the parent ship via the data link for surface-to-surface weapon engagement. Hellfire missile equipped aircraft may conduct independent or coordinated attack, depending upon the threat and tactical scenario.