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    MH-60 Seahawk: Why India is in love with this 'Romeo' helicopter

    Synopsis

    The helicopters, with anti-surface anti-submarine warfare and search and rescue missions capabilities, will prove to be a very potent weapon against the rising Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean region. The choppers ​​​will be armed with Hellfire missiles, precision kill weapon system and MK 54 torpedoes.

    Indian Navy to soon get world's best submarine hunter helicopter
    India will buy 24 MH-60 Romeo helicopters from Lockheed Martin for the Indian Navy for USD 2.6 billion. The deal was signed between Washington and New Delhi during Donald Trump's maiden visit to India.

    Multi-role helicopters play a very key role in modern naval fleet operations and the Indian Navy was trying to find a best fit for its operations for more than a decade. These choppers provide crucial eyes, ears, and long arms for the Navy to hunt enemy submarines and conduct surveillance.

    Here is all you need to know about the modern helicopters, and why India needs them:

    1. What is the use of MH-60 Romeo helicopters to the Indian Navy?
      The helicopters, with anti-surface, anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue missions capabilities, will prove to be a very potent weapon against rising Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

      ‘Romeo’ Seahawk helicopters have advanced combat systems like sensors, missiles, and torpedoes to track and hunt enemy boats and submarines. The helicopter can easily strike fear in a submarine Captain’s mind.
    2. How does the MH-60 Romeo hunt submarines?
      It has a range of radars and sensors to detect the submarine inside deep sea.

      Sonobuoy launcher and a Raytheon advanced airborne low-frequency (ALFS) dipping sonar to detect submarines at any depth.
    3. What are the weapons that the MH-60 Romeo helicopters can carry?
      The choppers will be armed with Hellfire missiles, precision kill weapon systems, and MK 54 torpedoes.

      Anti-surface warfare missions: It can carry weapons on the four weapons stations, including AGM-114 Hellfire anti-surface missiles.

      Anti-submarine warfare: Three ATK mk50 or mk46 lightweight torpedoes. 7.62 mm machine gun .
    4. What are the specifications of MH-60 Romeo?
      Climb rate: 8.38m/s
      Maximum cruise speed: 267km/h
      Range: 834 km
      Service ceiling: 3,438m
      Weight: 6,89 5kg
      Maximum take-off weight: 10,659 kg
    5. How much does a Seahawk helicopter cost?
      $28 Million
    6. Who builds MH-60 Romeo helicopters?
      Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company


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    ( Originally published on Feb 20, 2020 )

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