HH-60 Jayhawk
Encyclopedia
The Sikorsky HH-60J Jayhawk is a multi-mission, twin-engine, medium-range helicopter
operated by the United States Coast Guard
for search and rescue
, law enforcement
, military readiness and marine environmental protection
mission
s. The HH-60J is designed to fly a crew of four up to 300 mi (482.8 km) offshore, hoist up to 6 additional people on board while remaining on-scene for up to 45 minutes and return to base while maintaining an adequate fuel reserve. Normal cruising speed of the HH-60J is 135 to 140 kn (164.4 to 170.5 mph) and the aircraft is capable of reaching 180 kn (219.2 mph) for short durations. The HH60J can fly at 140 kn (170.5 mph) for six to seven hours.
Chosen to replace the HH-3F Pelican
, the HH-60J is a member of the Sikorsky S-70
family of helicopters and is based on the United States Navy
's SH-60 Seahawk
helicopter. Development began in September 1986, first flight was achieved on August 8, 1989, and the first HH-60J entered USCG service in June 1990. Production ended in 1996 after 42 helicopters were produced.
The MH-60T Medium Range Recovery Helicopter upgrade program began in 2007 and is scheduled to provide upgraded avionics and operational capabilities to all 42 existing HH-60J airframes by 2015. As each airframe upgrade is completed, the affected HH-60J will be re-designated to MH-60T.
, the HH-60J is a member of the Sikorsky S-70 family of helicopters and is based on the United States Navy's SH-60 Seahawk helicopter. Compared to its predecessor, the HH-3F, the HH-60J is lighter, is faster, has more powerful engines and is equipped with more sophisticated electronics. The HH-60J was developed in conjunction with the United States Navy's HH-60H Rescue Hawk.
Sikorsky began development in September 1986 and aircraft registration number 6001 achieved first flight on August 8, 1989. The first aircraft was delivered to the USCG for developmental testing in March, 1990 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. In March 1991, ATC Mobile, Alabama became the first USCG unit to fly the HH-60J, allowing instructor pilots to prepare for pilot training. Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City
, North Carolina was the first USCG operational unit to fly the HH-60J. Sikorsky produced 42 HH-60Js with sequential registration numbers from 6001 through 6042. Sikorsky ceased production in 1996 after fulfilling the 42 unit contract.
and will provide a glass cockpit
, an enhanced electro-optic/infrared sensor system as well as a radar sensor system and airborne use of force capability. The airborne use of force package includes both weapons for firing warning and disabling shots and armor to protect the aircrew from small arms fire. Three Jayhawks have been upgraded to MH-60Ts as of June 2009 and all 42 aircraft are scheduled to be upgraded by 2015.
The HH-60J uses the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System as its primary long range navigational aid, using a Collins RCVR-3A radio to simultaneously receive information from four of the NAVSTAR system's 18 worldwide satellites.
The HH-60J is normally based on land but can be based on 270 foot medium endurance Coast Guard Cutters (WMEC) or 378 foot high endurance Coast Guard Cutters (WHEC).
The HH-60J has a radar for search/weather that gives its nose a distinctive look. A forward looking infrared
(FLIR) sensor turret can be mounted below its nose. It can carry three 120 US gal (454.2 l) fuel tanks with two on the port side rack and one on the starboard side rack. The starboard side also carries a 600 lbf (2.7 kN) capacity rescue hoist mounted above the door. The hoist has 200 ft (61 m) of cable.
Coast Guard cutters with their HH-60Js and other helicopters performed security and interdiction in the Persian Gulf in 1991 in support of Operation Desert Storm and also in 2003 for Operation Enduring Freedom.
MH-60T : Medium range recovery helicopter. 42 existing HH-60J airframes receiving upgraded avionics and operational capabilities, including armaments, beginning in 2007 and continuing through 2015.
Helicopter
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...
operated by the United States Coast Guard
United States Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven U.S. uniformed services. The Coast Guard is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the military branches for having a maritime law enforcement mission and a federal regulatory agency...
for search and rescue
Search and rescue
Search and rescue is the search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger.The general field of search and rescue includes many specialty sub-fields, mostly based upon terrain considerations...
, law enforcement
Specialist law enforcement agency
A specialist law enforcement agency is a law enforcement agency which specialises in the types of laws it enforces, or types of activities it undertakes, or geography it enforces laws in, or these in combination....
, military readiness and marine environmental protection
Environmental protection
Environmental protection is a practice of protecting the environment, on individual, organizational or governmental level, for the benefit of the natural environment and humans. Due to the pressures of population and our technology the biophysical environment is being degraded, sometimes permanently...
mission
Military operation
Military operation is the coordinated military actions of a state in response to a developing situation. These actions are designed as a military plan to resolve the situation in the state's favor. Operations may be of combat or non-combat types, and are referred to by a code name for the purpose...
s. The HH-60J is designed to fly a crew of four up to 300 mi (482.8 km) offshore, hoist up to 6 additional people on board while remaining on-scene for up to 45 minutes and return to base while maintaining an adequate fuel reserve. Normal cruising speed of the HH-60J is 135 to 140 kn (164.4 to 170.5 mph) and the aircraft is capable of reaching 180 kn (219.2 mph) for short durations. The HH60J can fly at 140 kn (170.5 mph) for six to seven hours.
Chosen to replace the HH-3F Pelican
Sikorsky S-61R
The Sikorsky S-61R is a twin-engine helicopter used in transport or search and rescue roles. A developed version of the S-61/SH-3 Sea King, the S-61R was also built under license by Agusta as the AS-61R...
, the HH-60J is a member of the Sikorsky S-70
Sikorsky S-70
The Sikorsky S-70 is a medium transport/utility helicopter family manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. It was developed for the U.S. Army in the 1970s, winning a competition to be designated the UH-60 Blackhawk and spawning a large family in U.S. military service...
family of helicopters and is based on the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
's SH-60 Seahawk
SH-60 Seahawk
The Sikorsky SH-60/MH-60 Seahawk is a twin turboshaft engine, multi-mission United States Navy helicopter based on the United States Army UH-60 Black Hawk and a member of the Sikorsky S-70 family. The most significant airframe modification is a hinged tail to reduce its footprint aboard ships.The...
helicopter. Development began in September 1986, first flight was achieved on August 8, 1989, and the first HH-60J entered USCG service in June 1990. Production ended in 1996 after 42 helicopters were produced.
The MH-60T Medium Range Recovery Helicopter upgrade program began in 2007 and is scheduled to provide upgraded avionics and operational capabilities to all 42 existing HH-60J airframes by 2015. As each airframe upgrade is completed, the affected HH-60J will be re-designated to MH-60T.
Development
Chosen to replace the HH-3F PelicanSikorsky S-61R
The Sikorsky S-61R is a twin-engine helicopter used in transport or search and rescue roles. A developed version of the S-61/SH-3 Sea King, the S-61R was also built under license by Agusta as the AS-61R...
, the HH-60J is a member of the Sikorsky S-70 family of helicopters and is based on the United States Navy's SH-60 Seahawk helicopter. Compared to its predecessor, the HH-3F, the HH-60J is lighter, is faster, has more powerful engines and is equipped with more sophisticated electronics. The HH-60J was developed in conjunction with the United States Navy's HH-60H Rescue Hawk.
Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City
Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City is a United States Coast Guard air station located at Elizabeth City Regional Airport in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, along the Pasquotank River near the opening of the Albemarle Sound...
, North Carolina was the first USCG operational unit to fly the HH-60J. Sikorsky produced 42 HH-60Js with sequential registration numbers from 6001 through 6042. Sikorsky ceased production in 1996 after fulfilling the 42 unit contract.
MH-60T upgrade program
The USCG began converting its HH-60Js to MH-60Ts in January 2007. This avionics and capabilities upgrade is part of the USCG's Integrated Deepwater System ProgramIntegrated Deepwater System Program
The Integrated Deepwater System Program is the 25-year program to replace all or much of the United States Coast Guard's equipment, including aircraft, ships, and logistics and command and control systems...
and will provide a glass cockpit
Glass cockpit
A glass cockpit is an aircraft cockpit that features electronic instrument displays, typically large LCD screens, as opposed to the traditional style of analog dials and gauges...
, an enhanced electro-optic/infrared sensor system as well as a radar sensor system and airborne use of force capability. The airborne use of force package includes both weapons for firing warning and disabling shots and armor to protect the aircrew from small arms fire. Three Jayhawks have been upgraded to MH-60Ts as of June 2009 and all 42 aircraft are scheduled to be upgraded by 2015.
Design
With a fuel capacity of 6460 lb (2,930.2 kg), the HH-60J is designed to fly a crew of four up to 300 mi (482.8 km) offshore, hoist up to 6 additional people on board while remaining on-scene for up to 45 minutes and return to base while maintaining an adequate fuel reserve. Normal cruising speed of the HH-60J is 135 kn (164.4 mph) to 140 kn (170.5 mph) and the aircraft is capable of reaching 180 kn (219.2 mph) for short durations. The HH60J can fly at 140 kn (170.5 mph) for six to seven hours.The HH-60J uses the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System as its primary long range navigational aid, using a Collins RCVR-3A radio to simultaneously receive information from four of the NAVSTAR system's 18 worldwide satellites.
The HH-60J is normally based on land but can be based on 270 foot medium endurance Coast Guard Cutters (WMEC) or 378 foot high endurance Coast Guard Cutters (WHEC).
The HH-60J has a radar for search/weather that gives its nose a distinctive look. A forward looking infrared
Forward looking infrared
Forward looking infrared cameras, typically used on military aircraft, use an imaging technology that senses infrared radiation.The sensors installed in forward looking infrared cameras, as well as those of other thermal imaging cameras, use detection of infrared radiation, typically emitted from a...
(FLIR) sensor turret can be mounted below its nose. It can carry three 120 US gal (454.2 l) fuel tanks with two on the port side rack and one on the starboard side rack. The starboard side also carries a 600 lbf (2.7 kN) capacity rescue hoist mounted above the door. The hoist has 200 ft (61 m) of cable.
Operational history
In 1990, HH-60J Jayhawks began replacing HH-3F Pelican and CH-3E Sea King helicopters in service with the US Coast Guard. HH-60Js perform search and rescue missions, along with other missions such as maritime patrol and drug interdiction.Coast Guard cutters with their HH-60Js and other helicopters performed security and interdiction in the Persian Gulf in 1991 in support of Operation Desert Storm and also in 2003 for Operation Enduring Freedom.
Variants
HH-60J : Medium range recovery helicopter. 42 units delivered to the USCG between 1990 and 1996MH-60T : Medium range recovery helicopter. 42 existing HH-60J airframes receiving upgraded avionics and operational capabilities, including armaments, beginning in 2007 and continuing through 2015.
Operators
- United States Coast GuardUnited States Coast GuardThe United States Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven U.S. uniformed services. The Coast Guard is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the military branches for having a maritime law enforcement mission and a federal regulatory agency...
- CGAS AstoriaCoast Guard Air Station AstoriaCoast Guard Air Station Astoria was established August 14, 1964 at Astoria Regional Airport in Warrenton, Oregon.The unit houses 67 active duty, 24 reserve duty and one civilian personnel. The unit operates three Sikorsky HH-60 Jayhawk helicopters. According to a 2003 press release the unit's...
, OregonOregonOregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern... - CGAS ClearwaterCoast Guard Air Station ClearwaterUnited States Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater is the United States Coast Guard's largest air station. It is located at the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport in Clearwater, Florida and is home to nearly 600 USCG aviation and support personnel...
, FloridaFloridaFlorida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it... - CGAS Cape CodCoast Guard Air Station Cape CodCoast Guard Air Station Cape Cod is a United States Coast Guard air station located on Otis Air National Guard Base in Sandwich, Massachusetts. It operates from New York City to the Canadian Border...
, MassachusettsMassachusettsThe Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010... - CGAS Elizabeth CityCoast Guard Air Station Elizabeth CityCoast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City is a United States Coast Guard air station located at Elizabeth City Regional Airport in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, along the Pasquotank River near the opening of the Albemarle Sound...
, North CarolinaNorth CarolinaNorth Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte... - CGAS San DiegoCoast Guard Air Station San DiegoU.S. Coast Guard Air Station San Diego is a Coast Guard Air Station based in San Diego, California, United States, across the street from San Diego International Airport...
, CaliforniaCaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area... - CGAS Sitka, AlaskaAlaskaAlaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait...
- CGAS KodiakCoast Guard Air Station KodiakCoast Guard Air Station Kodiak is an Air Station of the United States Coast Guard located in Kodiak, Alaska. It is one of the largest units in the Coast Guard, and the largest in the service's Pacific Area, with a crew of 65 officers and 317 enlisted personnel. It is a tenant command of Base...
, Alaska - ATC, Mobile, AlabamaMobile, AlabamaMobile is the third most populous city in the Southern US state of Alabama and is the county seat of Mobile County. It is located on the Mobile River and the central Gulf Coast of the United States. The population within the city limits was 195,111 during the 2010 census. It is the largest...
- CGAS Astoria
Accidents
As of July 2010, three HH-60Js have been involved in crashes, including two fatal crashes.Specifications (HH-60J)
- Most data is for HH-60J. Data for MH-60T is noted below.
See also
External links
- HH-60J JAYHAWK Helicopter Product Information. Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
- HH-60J Jayhawk page and MH-60T on US Coast Guard site
- HH-60 Jayhawk and MH-60T on globalsecurity.org
- U.S. Coast Guard Fielding Armed HH-65Cs, -60Js. Rotor & Wing
- Coast Guard Plans Jayhawk Modernization. VTOL.org