Modern Naval/ASW Helicopters

Anti-submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopters are used by various navies of the world to conduct search, interdiction, and destroy missions against hostile submarines in order to protect the respective Navy's vessels and their commercial shipping. These helicopters generally operatoe off of the respective Navys' Firgtaes, destroyers, or aircaft carriers. They are characterized by various sensors to help locate hostile submarines and weapons to attack them with. These helicopters are also used for Search and Rescue (SAR), Anti-surface Warfare (ASuW), and cargo/transport missons

There are various class weights of these helicopters, ranging from light (4-8 ton), to medium (9-13 ton), to heavy (14-16 ton). The size of the helicopter will effect its range, the type and amount of sensors it can carry, the typpe and amount of weapons it can carry, and the number of personnel it can carry.

The following are the current modern ASW helicopters listed by the number of helicopters in use, or ordered for use, by the various nations. This list allows for a good comaprison of the various modern ASW helicopters in service.

SEAHAWK MH/SH-60R/S:


Nations: US, Japan, Turkey, Australia, Tawain, Spain, Singapore, Brazil
Numbers: 760
Classification: Medium - 10 ton
Crew: 3-4
Personnel Capacity: 11
Length: 64' 8"
Rotor Diameter: 53' 8"
Height: 17' 2"
Weight (Empty): 15,200 lbs
Weight (Max): 21, 885 lbs
Weight (Payload): 6,650 lbs
Speed Max: 207 mph
Speed Cruise: 168 mph
Engines: 2 x GE T700-GE-401C
SHP:2 x 1,890 shp
Range: 518 miles
Endurance at Cruise: 3.0 hrs
Service Ceiling: 12,000 ft
Radar(s):
- APS-124 Search Radar
- AN/AP-153 MMR/ARPOD
Dipping Sonar:
- AN/AQS-22 ALFS
ESM:
- ALQ-201 ESM
- AN/AR-47 MILDS
- AN/ALQ-144 Jammer
- AN/ALE-39 Chaff and Flare
Other Sensors
- AN/AAS-44 FLIR
- IFF
- Sonobuoys
- LN-100G GPS
- Data Link 16:
Armamentt (ASW):
- 3 x Mk-54 Torpedos
Armament (ASuW):
- 4 x AGM-114 Hellfire Missiles (8 w/"S")
Gun(s):
- 1 x M60 MG, or
- 1 x M240 MG, or
- 1 x GAU-16A MG, or
- 1 x GAU-17A Minigun
Mine Clearance:
- a x Mk-44 Mod-0 30mm

HELIX KA-27:


Nations: Russia, China, India, Vietnam, Syria
Numbers: 270
Classification: Medium - 13 ton
Crew: 2-3
Personnel Capacity: 16
Length: 37' 1"
Rotor Diameter: 51' 10"
Height: 18' 1"
Weight (Empty): 14,330 lbs
Weight (Max): 26,455 lbs
Weight (Pay Load): 8,820 lns
Speed Max: 168 mph
Speed Cruise: 127 mph
Engines: 2 x Isotov TV-3-117V
SHP: 2 x 2,230 shp
Range: 529 miles
Endurance at Cruise: 4.0 hrs
Service Ceiling: 16,400 feet
Radar(s):
- Osminog
Dipping Sonar:
- VGS-3
ESM:
- Hotbrik IR Jammer
Other Sensors:
- MAD
- IFF
- Sonobuoys
Armament ASW):
- 1 x ATM-1M Torpedo
Armament (ASuW):
- 10 x PLB 25--120, or
- 1 x KH-35 ASM
Gun(s):
- 1 x 7,62mm MG
Mine Clearance:
- None

HARBIN Z-9C:


Nations: Chhina, Pakistan, Venezuela
Numbers: 200
Classification: Light - 5 ton
Crew: 1-2
Personnel Capacity: 9
Length: 37' 6"
Rotor Diameter: 39' 2"
Height: 13' 2"
Weight (Empty): 4,519 lbs
Weight (Max): 9,040 lbs
Weight (Pay Load): 4,500 lns
Speed Max: 190 mph
Speed Cruise: 162 mph
Engines: 2 x Zhuzhou WZ-8A
SHP: 2 x 848 shp
Range: 320 miles
Endurance at Cruise: 2.0 hrs
Service Ceiling: 14,750 feet
Radar(s):
- Surface/Air Search Radar
- Navigation Radar
Dipping Sonar:
- Unknown
ESM:
- Unknown
Other Sensors:
- FLIR
- Sonobuoys
Armament ASW):
- 1 x ET-52 Torpedo
Armament (ASuW):
- 4 x HJ-8 ASM, or
- 2 x Rocket pods
Gun(s):
- 2 x 23mm cannons
Mine Clearance:
None

NFH NH-90:


Nations: Germany, France, Italy, Australia
Numbers: 160
Classification: Medium - 10 ton
Crew: 2-3
Personnel Capacity: 20
Length: 52' 11"
Rotor Diameter: 53' 6"
Height: 17' 2"
Weight (Empty): 14,100 lbs
Weight (Max): 20,060 lbs
Weight (Pay Load): 5,960 lbs
Speed Max: 181 mph
Speed Cruise: 160 mph
Engines: 2 x Rolls Royce RTM322-01
SHP: 2 x 2,230 shp
Range: 512 miles
Endurance at Cruise: 4.0 hrs
Service Ceiling: 18,000 feet
Radar(s):
- Thales ENR
- AN/APS-143B
Dipping Sonar:
- HELRAS
ESM:
- AAR-60 MILDS
- ALS-211 IRFCM
Other Sensors:
- FLIR
- Sonobouys
- Data Link 11
Armament (ASW):
- 2 x MU-90 Torpedos
Armament (ASuW):
- 2 x Marte Mk2/S or ANL ASMs
Gun(s):
- 2 x 12.7mm MG
Mine Clearance:
None

MERLIN AW101:


Nations: UK, Italy, Japan, Denmark, Portugal
Numbers: 120
Classification: Heavy - 16 ton
Crew: 3
Personnel Capacity: 26
Length: 64' 1"
Rotor Diameter: 61' 0"
Height: 21' 8"
Weight (Empty): 23,150 lbs
Weight (Max): 32,188 lbs
Weight (Pay Load): 9,025 lbs
Speed Max: 190 mph
Speed Cruise: 150 mph
Engines: 3 x Rolls Royce RZTM322-01
SHP: 3 x 2,100 shp
Range: 750 miles
Endurance at Cruise: 5.0 hrs
Service Ceiling: 15,500 feet
Radar(s):
- LISA-4000 AHRS
- Blue Krestrel 5000
Dipping Sonar:
- Sintra FLASH
ESM:
- ESM RF Heads
- Missile Warning System
- IR JAmmer
Other Sensors:
- Chaff and Flai Dispenser
- FLIR
- AQS-903 Acoustic Processor
- Sonobuoys
- Data Link 16
Armament ASW):
- 4 x Stingray Torpedos
Armament (ASuW):
- 4 x Marte ASMs
Gun(s):
- 5 x GP MGs (Up to)
Mine Clearance:
None

CHANGHE Z-18FQ:


Nations: China
Numbers: 39 (Includes 13 Super Frelon)
Classification: Heavy - 14 ton
Crew: 2-3
Personnel Capacity: 27
Length: 63' 8"
Rotor Diameter: 62' 2"
Height: 22' 2"
Weight (Empty): 23,150 lbs
Weight (Max): 28,860 lbs
Weight (Pay Load): 5,500 lbs
Speed Max: 197 mph
Speed Cruise: 165 mph
Engines: 3 x Changzhow WZ-6A
SHP: 3 x 1,550 shp
Range: 450 miles
Endurance at Cruise: 3.5 hours
Service Ceiling: 10,150 feet
Radar(s):
- Surface Search Rada
- Navigation Radar
Dipping Sonar:
- HS-12
ESM:
- Unknown
Other Sensors:
- FLIR
- Sonobuoys
Armament ASW):
- 2 x YU-7 Torpedos
Armament (ASuW):
- 2 x YJ-81 ASM
Gun(s):
- Unknown
Mine Clearance:
None

SUPER SEASPRITE 2H-2G:


Nations: New Zealand, Egypt, Poland
Numbers: 38
Classification: Light - 7 ton
Crew: 3
Personnel Capacity:
Length: 52' 9"
Rotor Diameter: 45' 0"
Height: 15' 0 "
Weight (Empty): 9,200 lbs
Weight (Max): 13,500 lbs
Weight (Pay Load): 4,390 lbs
Speed Max: 160 mph
Speed Cruise: 140 mph
Engines: 2 x GE T700-GE-401
SHP: 2 x 1,750 shp
Range: 410 miles
Endurance at Cruise: 3.0 hrs
Service Ceiling: 18,000 feet
Radar(s):
- LN-66 HP
- AN/APS 143
Dipping Sonar:
- AN/AQS-18A
ESM:
- AN/AAR-93
- AN/AAR-47 MWS
- AN/ALQ-144 JAmmer
- AIRBOC CHaff and Flare
Other Sensors:
- AN/AAQ-21 FLIR
- Sonobouys
- AKT-22 Data Link
Armament ASW):
- 2 x Mk-50 Torpedos
Armament (ASuW):
- 2 x AGM-65 Maverick AMS
Gun(s):
- 1 x M60 MG
Mine Clearance:
- Magic Lantern AMCM

WILDCAT AW159:


Nations: UK, South Korea
Numbers: 36
Classification: Light - 7 ton
Crew: 2
Personnel Capacity: 7
Length: 50' 0"
Rotor Diameter: 42' 0"
Height: 12' 3"
Weight (Empty): 8,700 lbs
Weight (Max): 13,228 lbs
Weight (Pay Load): 4,500 lbs
Speed Max: 181 mph
Speed Cruise: 160 mph
Engines: 2 x LHTEC CTS800-4N
SHP: 2 x 1,360 shp
Range: 485 miles
Endurance at Cruise: 2.75 hours
Service Ceiling: 12,000 feet
Radar(s):
- Seaspray 7000E AESA
Dipping Sonar:
- ADS
ESM:
- HIDAS 15
Other Sensors:
- MX-15Di IR
- AIS
- Sonobouys
- GPS IGI/INS
- Data Link
Armament ASW):
- 2 x Stingray Torpedos
Armament (ASuW):
- 2 x LMM ASMs, or
- 2 x CRV& Rocket Pods
Gun(s):
- 2 x 12.7mm MG
Mine Clearance:
None

Re: Modern ASW Helicopters Compared

Jeff Head said:

Modern Anti-Submarine Helicopters
​

Anti-submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopters are used by various navies of the world to conduct search, interdiction, and destroy missions against hostile submarines in order to protect the respective Navy's vessels and their commercial shipping. These helicopters generally operatoe off of the respective Navys' Firgtaes, destroyers, or aircaft carriers. They are characterized by various sensors to help locate hostile submarines and weapons to attack them with. These helicopters are also used for Search and Rescue (SAR), Anti-surface Warfare (ASuW), and cargo/transport missons

There are various class weights of these helicopters, ranging from light (4-8 ton), to medium (9-13 ton), to heavy (14-16 ton). The size of the helicopter will effect its range, the type and amount of sensors it can carry, the typpe and amount of weapons it can carry, and the number of personnel it can carry.

The following are the current modern ASW helicopters listed by the number of helicopters in use, or ordered for use, by the various nations. This list allows for a good comaprison of the various modern ASW helicopters in service.

SEAHAWK MH/SH-60R/S:

​

Nations: US, Japan, Turkey, Australia, Tawain, Spain, Singapore, Brazil
Numbers: 760
Classification: Medium - 10 ton
Crew: 3-4
Personnel Capacity: 11
Length: 64' 8"
Rotor Diameter: 53' 8"
Height: 17' 2"
Weight (Empty): 15,200 lbs
Weight (Max): 21, 885 lbs
Weight (Payload): 6,650 lbs
Speed Max: 207 mph
Speed Cruise: 168 mph
Engines: 2 x GE T700-GE-401C
SHP:2 x 1,890 shp
Range: 518 miles
Endurance at Cruise: 3.0 hrs
Service Ceiling: 12,000 ft
Radar(s):
- APS-124 Search Radar
- AN/AP-153 MMR/ARPOD
Dipping Sonar:
- AN/AQS-22 ALFS
ESM:
- ALQ-201 ESM
- AN/AR-47 MILDS
- AN/ALQ-144 Jammer
- AN/ALE-39 Chaff and Flare
Other Sensors
- AN/AAS-44 FLIR
- IFF
- Sonobuoys
- LN-100G GPS
- Data Link 16:
Armamentt (ASW):
- 3 x Mk-54 Torpedos
Armament (ASuW):
- 4 x AGM-114 Hellfire Missiles (8 w/"S")
Gun(s):
- 1 x M60 MG, or
- 1 x M240 MG, or
- 1 x GAU-16A MG, or
- 1 x GAU-17A Minigun
Mine Clearance:
- a x Mk-44 Mod-0 30mm

Click to expand...

The USN operate any number of Seahawk types under different designations. However the most current versions are the Romeo "SeaHawk" and the Serra "KnightHawk" both are offically SeaHawks but the Serra replaced the Seaknight both wear the Offical MH60 designation meaning Multirole. now in the future these units may be replaced by V22 Ospreys and JMR-M's as well a UAV's

Re: Modern ASW Helicopters Compared

TerraN_EmpirE said:

The USN operate any number of Seahawk types under different designations. However the most current versions are the Romeo "SeaHawk" and the Serra "KnightHawk" both are offically SeaHawks but the Serra replaced the Seaknight both wear the Offical MH60 designation meaning Multirole. now in the future these units may be replaced by V22 Ospreys and JMR-M's as well a UAV's

Click to expand...

Yes, that is why I wrote the Seahawk designation the way I did, to include, particularly, the MH-60R Seahawk and the MH-60S Knighthawk.

I have an entire separate thread on the US Navy ASW and ASUW helicopters and their squadrons:

US Navy ASW & ASuW Helicopters & Squadronshttp://www.sinodefenceforum.com/pro...navy-asw-asuw-helicopters-squadrons-6781.htmlhttp://www.sinodefenceforum.com/pro...navy-asw-asuw-helicopters-squadrons-6781.html

Re: Modern ASW Helicopters Compared

KnightHawk or Nighthawk? since the navy was using the Sea Knight before I thought It was the "Knighthawk" with the Army SOAR 160 MH60's using the "Night Hawk" because they are Asphalt grey for night operations. and F117 using Nighthawk offically

Re: Modern ASW Helicopters Compared

Worth noting I think, that Z-8 at the moment is not used as an ASW chopper, but rather it will be used in that role in the near future with newly developed "Z-18FQ" (derived from the modernized super frelon for the civilian market, AC313).

And of course it can carry more than one lightweight torpedoes, given its size. At least two, probably four.

Re: Modern ASW Helicopters Compared

TerraN_EmpirE said:

KnightHawk or Nighthawk? since the navy was using the Sea Knight before I thought It was the "Knighthawk" with the Army SOAR 160 MH60's using the "Night Hawk" because they are Asphalt grey for night operations. and F117 using Nighthawk offically

Click to expand...

You are, of course, correct.

It is absolutely Knighthawk.

My bad...I have it right on that other thread. I will correct it here.

Re: Modern ASW Helicopters Compared

Bltizo said:

Worth noting I think, that Z-8 at the moment is not used as an ASW chopper, but rather it will be used in that role in the near future with newly developed "Z-18FQ" (derived from the modernized super frelon for the civilian market, AC313).

And of course it can carry more than one lightweight torpedoes, given its size. At least two, probably four.

Click to expand...

I am almost sure that when the Chinese acquired the Super Frelons from France that they got some that were ASW and some that were SAR.

I thought they had developed both variants into the Z-8.

I will list the helo then as the Z-18FQ and change the data accordingly.

Re: Modern ASW Helicopters Compared

Jeff Head said:

I am almost sure that when the Chinese acquired the Super Frelons from France that they got some that were ASW and some that were SAR.

I thought they had developed both variants into the Z-8.

I will list the helo then as the Z-18FQ and change the data accordingly.

Click to expand...

I believe they had acquired and possibly built some ASW versions initially, but I do not think they have built any new Z-8s in the ASW variant or operated ASW Z-8s for many years now. Certainly, until recently they didn't even have any ships large enough to reliably operate Z-8s from in an ASW role ( AORs and LSTs) before 071 and liaoning came along... And even on 071 and liaoning I've only seen the typical transport Z-8, the AEW Z-8, and the one time with the VIP Z-8.


Of course, I could be mistaken, if anyone has information to the contrary do post it.

Re: Modern ASW Helicopters Compared

Bltizo said:

I believe they had acquired and possibly built some ASW versions initially, but I do not think they have built any new Z-8s in the ASW variant or operated ASW Z-8s for many years now. Certainly, until recently they didn't even have any ships large enough to reliably operate Z-8s from in an ASW role ( AORs and LSTs) before 071 and liaoning came along... And even on 071 and liaoning I've only seen the typical transport Z-8, the AEW Z-8, and the one time with the VIP Z-8.


Of course, I could be mistaken, if anyone has information to the contrary do post it.

Click to expand...

I am almost sure that the Super Frelon ASW helos (1st acquired in 1978-1979), and at least a few Z-8s (once they were built) were for ASW and were equipped with a surface search radar, the French HS-12 dipping sonar, and that they carried a Yu-7 torpedo under the starboard side of the fuselage.

Now, maybe they do not use them any more, and there were never many of them in any case. But I am pretty sure at one time there were a few.

In fact, I believe the first landing of a helo on a Chinese Navy combatant deck was performed by a Super Frelon or a Z-8. I'll have to check it out.

I believe that the Super Frelon were the first helicopters that the PLAN had that could operate from the flight decks of the PLAN's surface vessels...even though there were no hangers at first large enough for them.

Re: Modern ASW Helicopters Compared

Yep, that is all true. And a super frelon/Z-8 was indeed the first helicopter to land on a PLAN ship.

However, given this chart looks at modern and/or in service ASW helicopters, the Z-8 "technically" should not be on the list.