The US Navy has moved forward with its MH-60 Seahawk modernization initiative by selecting industry participants for a prototype program designed to ensure the helicopter fleet remains capable and operationally relevant through 2050.
Sierra Nevada Corporation, Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Rockwell Collins, and Technology Security Associates have been identified to support key areas including structural integration, flight-critical avionics, digital backbone development, and open-systems verification.
The H-60 Multi-Mission Helicopter Program Office is leading the effort in collaboration with the Royal Australian Navy. During Phase 1, the program will develop preliminary designs for flight-critical avionics and the digital backbone while preparing the aircraft for future testing. Phase 2 will focus on prototype development, integration, and verification activities.
Digital engineering tools will be used to accelerate the development and testing process. The adoption of Modular Open Systems Approach standards is also expected to simplify the integration of emerging technologies, reduce expensive redesign requirements, and potentially establish a common architecture for future vertical-lift platforms.
Seahawk Background
The MH-60 Seahawk program originated in the 1970s when the US Navy sought to replace the SH-2 Seasprite. Drawing on the design of the US Army’s UH-60 Black Hawk, the Navy developed the SH-60B, which entered service in 1984 and later evolved into today’s MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters.
The MH-60R conducts missions including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, electronic warfare, and command-and-control operations. Meanwhile, the MH-60S supports anti-surface warfare, combat search and rescue, special operations, and airborne mine countermeasures.
The modernization initiative is being pursued through an Other Transaction Authority agreement under the Naval Aviation Systems Consortium. Any formal contracts or agreements will depend on successful negotiations and the completion of Phase 1 statements of work.
