The US Navy is looking at substantially reducing the number of sonar buoys on board the Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky MH60R Sea Hawks to increase the helicopter's operational capabilities.
"This is being considered as a follow on from the initial deployment of the Romeos, there is a feeling that there is not as much of a need for sonar buoys on board the navy's helicopters. There is the potential to either take out completely or reduce the number on board the helicopters, and both options are being considered," says Dean Peters, the USN's MH60 programme manager.
The MH60R, which the navy deploys on various missions including anti-submarine warfare and combat search and rescue, has 24 sonar buoys on board. That could be reduced to as few as six if the plan goes through, says Leonard Wengler, vice-president for navy programmes at Sikorsky.
"This would give the helicopter some weight and space advantages and help reduce the operating and installation costs - the sonar buoys are not cheap. If they go ahead, the navy could modify the helicopters as part of its next block upgrade programme. They are likely to look at something over the next year or so," adds Wengler.
He says the modifications could also help with international competition. "Many potential customers want helicopters with greater utility capability. Reducing the number of sonar buoys would increase the amount of space in the helicopter and help to fulfil that requirement," says Wengler.
Source: Flight Daily News