click here for photo
| Specifications | ||
Maximum Gross Weight: 21,884 lbs |
Empty Weight: 14,500 lbs |
Main rotor Diameter: 54 ft |
| Tail Rotor Diameter: 11 ft |
Overall Length: 65 ft |
Length, Blades Folded: 45 ft |
| Overall Height: 17 ft |
Height, Blades Folded: 13 ft |
Overall Width: 54 ft |
| Fuselage Width: 8 ft |
Fuel capacity: 6460 lbs |
Crew: 4 |
| Maximum speed: 160 knots |
Cruise Speed: 140 knots |
Maximum Range: 700 NM |
| Maximum Endurance: 7 hours |
Cargo Sling Load: 6000 lbs |
The United States Coast Guard is building a fleet of 42 medium-range Sikorsky HH-60J Jayhawk helicopters to its fleet of aircraft. Jayhawks have replaced the Sikorsky HH-3F Pelican helicopters that the Coast Guard has used for over 20 years. The H-60 is similar to the HH-3F in many ways, and the assigned mission are the same. However, the H-60 has numerous upgrades including a state of the art electronics package. The H-60 is lighter, faster and the engines have more power.
The Jayhawk's state-of-the art radar, radio, and navigation equipment enables the helicopter to carry out the Coast Guard's search and rescue, law enforcement, military readiness, and marine environmental protection missions efficiently and effectively.
The Jayhawk uses the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System as its primary long range navigational aid. On board the Jayhawk, the Collins RCVR-3A radio simultaneously receives information from four of the system's 18 worldwide satellites and converts it into latitude fixes, pinpointing the helicopter's position.
The H-60 is not be able to perform water landings, as the H-3 was capable of. However, with its twin T700-GE-401C engines, the Jayhawk can fly 300 miles offshore, remain on scene 45 minutes, hoist six people on board, and return to its point of origin with a safe fuel reserve. Normal cruising speeds of 135-140 knots can be increased to a "dash" speed of 180 knots when necessary. The H-60 will fly comfortably at 140 knots for 6-7 hours.
Though normally stationed ashore, the Jayhawk can be carried aboard 270-foot WMEC and 378-foot WHEC Coast Guard Cutters. They assist in the missions of search and rescue, enforcement of laws and treaties including drug interdiction, marine environmental protection, and military readiness.
The actual implementation of the HH-60J began in March of 1990 with the delivery of the first airframe to NAS Patuxent River, Maryland for developmental testing. ATC Mobile, Alabama was the first unit to fly the aircraft as instructor pilots prepare to begin pilot training in March 1991. Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City was the first operational unit with the Jayhawk.
The Jayhawk is manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Division of United Technologies in Stratford, Connecticut. General Electric builds the T7OO-GE-401C turboshaft engines and Rockwell International, Collins Avionics Group manufactures the electronics system in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
HH-60J Air Stations:
