The Ship Model Forum

Australian Navy gets more out of the Seahawk helicopter than originally planned
By: Mike Yeo   4 days ago

A Royal Australian Navy Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk takes part in a joint Australian Defence Force showcase at the Avalon Airshow. (Mike Yeo/Staff)
MELBOURNE, Australia — The Royal Australian Navy has managed to integrate the Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopter with a range of vessels that were not included in the original plans when Australia decided to acquire the type, according to the deputy commander of the RAN’s Fleet Air Arm.
Speaking to media during a visit at the invitation of simulation provider CAE to the naval base at HMAS Albatross, located in Nowra, south of Australia’s largest city Sydney, Capt. Grant O’Loughlan touted the MH-60R’s capabilities and interoperability with U.S. Navy systems, even as the service retains the autonomy to customize the helicopter for its unique needs.
The additional vessels with which the helo is compatible include the RAN’s support ships and the Canberra-class landing helicopter docks used for amphibious operations. O’Loughlan noted that “the range of missions that this helicopter can undertake is significant.”
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