Sikorsky MH-60 Jayhawk

This article is about the U.S. Coast Guard version of the Sikorsky S-70 helicopter series. For an overview of the S-70 series, and for its civilian models and operators, see Sikorsky S-70.

HH-60J / MH-60T Jayhawk
A HH-60J Jayhawk from CG Air Station Astoria
General information
TypeMedium-range recovery helicopter[1]
ManufacturerSikorsky Aircraft
StatusIn service
Primary userUnited States Coast Guard
Number built42 (+ 6 conversions)[2]
History
Manufactured1990–1996
First flight8 August 1989
Developed fromSikorsky SH-60 Seahawk

The Sikorsky MH-60T 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 missions. It was originally designated HH-60J before being upgraded and redesignated in 2007.[3]

Chosen to replace the HH-3F Pelican, the MH-60T is a member of the Sikorsky S-70 family of helicopters and is based on the United States Navy's SH-60 Seahawk helicopter.[1] Development began in September 1986, first flight was achieved on 8 August 1989, and the first HH-60J entered USCG service in June 1990. Production ended in 1996 after 42 helicopters were produced; six retired SH-60F Seahawks were also remanufactured to MH-60T specifications beginning in 2010.[2][4][5]

In 2017, the USCG established a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) to extend the service life of its current MH-60T fleet by rebuilding the aircraft with replacement aircraft hulls sourced from newly manufactured hulls from Lockheed Martin or conversion of retired US Navy aircraft. In 2023, the USCG obtained approval to begin acquisition of 12 additional MH-60T to replace some MH-65 aircraft. The USCG plans to eventually transition to an all MH-60T fleet.[6]

  1. ^ a b "HH-60J "Jayhawk"". Naval Supply Systems Command website. Naval Supply Systems Command. Archived from the original on 8 July 2010. Retrieved 7 July 2010. Jayhawks have replaced the Sikorsky HH-3F Pelican helicopters ...
  2. ^ a b "Ex-Navy Helos Providing Folding Rotors, Tails for Cutter-Deploying H-60 Helos". Seapower Magazine. 16 March 2021. Archived from the original on 17 March 2021. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
  3. ^ "Acquisition Directorate - MH-60T Medium Range Recovery Helicopter" (PDF). United States Coast Guard. November 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 November 2010. Retrieved 7 July 2010. All 42 H-60 aircraft are scheduled to be modernized by 2015
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference CGAward was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ "Office of Aviation Forces (CG-711), MH-60T: Jayhawk". US Coast Guard. 12 September 2012. Archived from the original on 28 January 2013. Retrieved 28 January 2013.
  6. ^ "Coast Guard takes next steps toward all MH-60T helicopter fleet". US Coast Guard. 23 January 2024. Archived from the original on 5 March 2024. Retrieved 5 March 2024.