MH-60T Jayhawk
The United States Coast Guard will upgrade and modernize its current Sikorsky HH-60J JAYHAWK helicopter fleet to meet its expanded Homeland Defense responsibilities, according to the revised Deepwater Implementation Plan presented to Congress in April 2005. Deepwater outlines the USCG?s long-range acquisition strategy across its entire inventory of cutters and aircraft to provide improved systems for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) and innovative logistics support.
An earlier version of Deepwater called for the purchase of a new and smaller aircraft to replace the JAYHAWK as the Coast Guard's Medium Range Recovery (MMR) Helicopter. In light of the USCG's post 9-11 requirements, Deepwater now forgoes the new aircraft and calls for upgrading the current HH-60J JAYHAWK.
The newly-designated MH-60T will be fitted with a new state-of-the-art cockpit, new search /weather radar and Electro-Optics/IR units, upgraded engines and airframe, and an Airborne Use of Force Package to provide more firepower and protection from small arms fire.
The JAYHAWK is a variant of the Sikorsky H-60 product line currently used by all five branches of the US military along with 25 governments across the world. The JAYHAWK is a rugged, proven, versatile multi-mission military aircraft well suited to the task. Sikorsky Aircraft delivered 42 HH-60Js to the Coast Guard for search and rescue (SAR), offshore law enforcement, drug interdiction, aids to navigation and environmental protection.
