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2023-11-10
Naval: Eyes in the Sky, Hands on the Waves
Military Helicopters: Part 5
Welcome to the fifth instalment of our series on military helicopters. In the earlier editions, we explored different categories of helicopters, including Helicopter Types, Attack Helicopters, Transport Helicopters, and Search and Rescue (SAR) Helicopters. We now turn our attention to Naval Helicopters, a vital component of maritime forces worldwide.
Naval helicopters are meticulously designed and outfitted to perform diverse functions that bolster a navy’s capabilities on the high seas. They are purpose-built for deployment on naval vessels, including aircraft carriers, frigates, destroyers, and amphibious assault ships. These helicopters come equipped and configured to execute a diverse array of missions in support of naval operations. They are outfitted with specialised systems and features to ensure effective performance in the challenging maritime environment.
Naval helicopters are manned by highly trained aircrews familiar with maritime and shipboard operations. These helicopters undergo rigorous maintenance and are designed to withstand the harsh maritime conditions.
Overall, naval helicopters provide critical capabilities to navies, enhancing their maritime dominance, surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and operational effectiveness.
They serve a wide range of purposes and have diverse uses within the context of naval operations.
Here are some of the primary uses and roles of naval military helicopters:
Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
Naval anti-submarine warfare (ASW) is an ever-evolving field driven by technological advancements. Robust ASW capabilities are of utmost importance, serving as a critical safeguard for naval forces, the security of maritime trade routes, sea control, and the protection of national security interests.
ASW helicopters are specialised rotorcraft designed for detecting, tracking, and engaging submarines, expanding ASW capabilities and adaptability in maritime environments. They feature advanced sonar systems, including dipping sonar for real-time underwater detection.
These helicopters deploy sonobuoys, small floating sonar sensors dropped into the water, to establish an acoustic sensor network. Sonobuoys relay acoustic data to the helicopter for analysis, enabling the detection and tracking of submarines.
ASW helicopters also use Magnetic Anomaly Detection (MAD) sensors to detect submarine metallic hulls’ magnetic field variations. Electronic Support Measures (ESM) intercept and analyse submarine electronic emissions for locating and identification. These helicopters carry anti-submarine torpedoes to neutralise target submarines based on their acoustic signature.
The helicopters are equipped with countermeasures to defend against enemy threats, such as anti-aircraft missiles or small arms fire from submarines. They have advanced navigation systems and communication equipment to coordinate with surface ships and other ASW assets.
Search and Rescue (SAR)
Naval Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopters are specialised rotorcraft designed and equipped for maritime search and rescue operations, particularly in support of naval missions. These helicopters are vital for addressing emergencies at sea, including the rescue of distressed mariners, recovery of downed aircrew, and participation in various maritime rescue missions.
Naval SAR helicopters are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of maritime environments, including exposure to saltwater and extreme weather.
They are equipped with winches and hoists capable of lowering rescue swimmers and equipment to assist those in distress.
To ensure buoyancy in the event of a water landing, SAR helicopters often have built-in floatation gear or emergency floatation systems that can be deployed.
Naval SAR helicopters have radar, sonar, and infrared cameras for detecting targets on the water’s surface, even in poor visibility. They feature advanced navigation and communication systems for coordinating rescue efforts and sharing vital information. Some carry medical equipment for initial care of rescued individuals.
These helicopters carry trained rescue swimmers for water assistance and first aid, often with extended range and endurance. They may carry Emergency Locator Transmitters to locate distress signals.
Notable examples of naval SAR helicopters include the Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk, which is used by the U.S. Navy, and the AgustaWestland AW101, used by several navies.
Anti-Mine Warfare (AMW)
Anti-Mine Warfare (AMW) Naval helicopters are specially designed and equipped rotorcraft dedicated to aiding naval mine countermeasure operations. Their pivotal role involves the detection, identification, and neutralisation of naval mines in coastal and offshore regions, thereby guaranteeing safe passage for military and civilian vessels alike.
AMW helicopters are equipped with advanced mine detection systems, such as: MAD, Laser Line Scan Systems, Electro-Optical and Infrared Sensors.
MAD sensors detect variations in the Earth’s magnetic field caused by the presence of submerged magnetic mines.
Laser Line Scan Systems use lasers to create detailed images of the seafloor and detect mines based on their shapes and structures.
Electro-Optical and Infrared Sensors offer high-resolution underwater imagery to identify potential mines.
Certain AMW helicopters possess dipping sonar for precise underwater mine detection. Upon detection, they may carry equipment to identify and classify mines, facilitating the necessary response.
AMW helicopters can be equipped with various mine-neutralisation tools and equipment like Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Equipment. This includes remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) capable of placing explosive charges on or near mines for controlled detonation.
Another vital tool in the arsenal of such helicopters is Mine Disposal Charges, capable of being deployed into the water to detonate near the mine, rendering it safe or obliterating it. Some AMW helicopters can deploy Mine-Neutralising underwater robots designed to approach and disable mines.
They are equipped with winches and hoists for deploying underwater vehicles, sensors, and equipment into the water and have trained crews, including pilots and sensor operators, with expertise in mine countermeasures and underwater operations.
Notable examples of AMW helicopters include the MH-53 Sea Dragon (used by the U.S. Navy for mine countermeasures), the AgustaWestland AW101 (used by the Royal Navy for mine countermeasures), and the MH-60S Seahawk with the Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) mission package.
Maritime Patrol and Surveillance
Naval Maritime Patrol and Surveillance helicopters are indispensable assets for global naval forces. They excel in maritime patrol and surveillance missions, monitoring ship traffic, combating illegal activities such as smuggling, and upholding maritime security.
Equipped with sensors, radar, and cameras, they serve a diverse array of roles, encompassing anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and maritime security.
They cover crucial operations and capabilities, which include monitoring and securing maritime domains like territorial waters, exclusive economic zones, and international waters.
These efforts are vital for protecting maritime interests, ensuring safe trade routes, conducting search and rescue missions, enforcing maritime laws, and maintaining overall maritime security.
Naval forces deploy maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters, such as the P-8 Poseidon (used by the U.S. Navy), to conduct extensive surveillance missions over large maritime areas. These aircraft are equipped with various sensors and equipment for detecting, identifying, and tracking surface ships, submarines, aircraft, and potential threats.
Maritime patrol helicopters are equipped with powerful radar systems that provide a comprehensive view of surface and aerial activities in their operational areas.
The helicopters often employ sonobuoys or dipping sonar for underwater surveillance, supporting anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and maintain real-time communication capabilities for information relay.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) are increasingly used to complement maritime patrol efforts. These drones can cover large areas and gather valuable data without putting human operators at risk. Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, which is transmitted by vessels to broadcast their identity and position, is integrated into surveillance systems to track and identify ships in real-time.
Maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters use MAD and specialised sensors to detect submarines. Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) systems gather and analyse data from multiple sources for comprehensive situational awareness. These efforts may encompass counter-piracy and counter-terrorism missions to address threats from pirates and terrorists.
Prominent naval maritime patrol and surveillance helicopters include the Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk, employed by the United States Navy and numerous other global naval forces.
The AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin serves various naval forces, including the Royal Navy and the Italian Navy.
The NHIndustries NH90 NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) is utilised by several NATO countries, and the Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite is employed by the Royal New Zealand Navy and the Egyptian Navy for maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare, among others.
Troop Transport and Insertion
Naval troop transport and insertion helicopters are essential for swiftly deploying personnel, special forces, and equipment from naval vessels to designated areas. These helicopters are ship-compatible and operate efficiently in diverse maritime environments.
The MH-60 Seahawk, a Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk variant, is employed by the United States Navy and various other navies for such missions.
The NHIndustries NH90 TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) is a European medium-sized transport helicopter employed by naval forces for troop transport, insertion, cargo airlift, and other missions.
The AW101 Merlin, utilised by the Royal Navy, the Italian Navy, and others, is a medium-lift helicopter with adaptable configurations for troop transport and insertion, offering versatility for naval operations.
Although primarily a maritime patrol aircraft, the Kawasaki P-1 used by the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) can be used for troop transport and insertion when configured for this purpose.
The CH-53 Sea Stallion and its successor, the CH-53E Super Stallion, are used by the United States Marine Corps for heavy troop transport and insertion, as well as equipment and vehicle transport from naval vessels to shore.
Cargo and Logistics
Naval helicopters can transport cargo, supplies, and equipment between ships or from ship to shore. This capability is essential for sustaining naval operations over extended periods.
Naval cargo and logistics helicopters facilitate the transportation of essential cargo, equipment, and supplies between naval vessels and remote locations. They are pivotal in ensuring that naval forces have the required resources for their missions.
Examples of such helicopters include:
MH-60 Seahawk: The MH-60 Seahawk can be configured for various roles, including cargo and logistics support. It’s used by the United States Navy and other navies for these purposes.
NH90 TTH: The NH90 TTH is used by various naval forces for troop transport, cargo airlift, and logistics support.
AW101 Merlin: The AW101 Merlin can also be configured for cargo transport and logistics missions, in addition to its roles in troop transport and search and rescue. It is used by several naval forces.
Electronic Warfare (EW)
Electronic Warfare (EW) naval helicopters specialise in electronic warfare and signals intelligence (SIGINT) missions, contributing significantly to modern naval operations by gathering electronic intelligence and countering electronic threats.
The MH-60R Seahawk in the SEWIP (Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Programme) configuration features advanced electronic warfare systems for signals intelligence and electronic countermeasures, enabling the detection, identification, and response to electronic threats.
The EH101 Merlin is used by the Royal Navy and the Italian Navy in an electronic warfare configuration. It is equipped with specialised electronic support measures (ESM) and electronic countermeasures (ECM) systems to detect and jam enemy electronic signals and protect the fleet from electronic threats.
The NH90 NFH is used by several NATO countries for anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, but it can also be configured for electronic warfare roles. Some SH-2G Super Seasprites used by naval forces, such as the Royal New Zealand Navy, are configured for electronic warfare missions.
These naval helicopters are equipped with a range of electronic warfare equipment, including radar warning receivers, electronic support measures, jamming systems, and communication interception capabilities.
Command and Control (C2)
Command and Control (C2) naval helicopters are specialised aircraft for coordinating naval operations, equipped with advanced communication and sensor systems to offer real-time situational awareness and command capabilities. They are known for effective coordination of naval forces during missions.
The MH-60 Seahawk, especially in its MH-60S Knighthawk configuration, is employed for command and control (C2) and communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) missions.
The AW101 Merlin is used by the Royal Navy in an Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC) variant. Equipped with advanced radar and communication systems, it provides airborne early warning and command and control capabilities for naval task forces.
The NH90 NFH, used by several NATO countries, can be configured as a C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) helicopter.
Some SH-2G Super Seasprites are configured for C4ISR roles, providing naval forces with enhanced command and control, surveillance, and intelligence-gathering capabilities.
These C2 naval helicopters are equipped with a range of systems, including advanced communication suites, radar and sensor systems, data links, and often have the ability to relay information to and from various naval assets, including ships, submarines, and other aircraft.
Utility and Support Roles
Naval helicopters may also perform various utility roles, such as personnel transport, resupply missions, and general support tasks, enhancing the operational capabilities of the fleet. The specific roles can vary depending on the type and mission of the helicopter, as well as the capabilities of the naval vessel from which they operate.
Versatile Workhorses
In conclusion, naval helicopters are the versatile workhorses of modern naval forces, providing an array of essential capabilities. From anti-submarine warfare to logistics support, these aircraft are indispensable, enabling navies to maintain security, project power, and respond to evolving challenges in the dynamic theatre of the seas.
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