CPI Aerostructures has been awarded a contract by Sikorsky Aerospace Services to overhaul and repair (O&R) outboard stabilator assemblies in support of the US Navy’s H-60 Seahawk helicopter.
Under the three-year $5.3m contract, CPI will carry out the modernisation and refit work in addition to inspecting the units for the US Navy.
The maritime variant of the H-60 Black Hawk helicopter features a folding tail section and stabilator, which enable the aircraft to operate in less space onboard ships.
Initially deployed by the US Navy in 1984, the H-60 Seahawk is designed to conduct missions such as search-and-rescue (SAR), anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC).
Some 395 H-60 helicopters are currently in service with the US Navy under the model designations SH-60B, SH-60F, HH-60H, MH-60R, and MH-60S.
The advanced maritime helicopter, MH-60R Seahawk is designed to serve as a primary anti-submarine warfare anti-surface weapon system from frigates, destroyers, cruisers and aircraft carriers in littoral zones.
Capable of performing vertical replenishment (VERTREP), the MH-60S can also support combat search-and-rescue (CSAR), special warfare support and airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) as well as anti-surface warfare (ASUW) missions.
In addition to providing extended mission endurance and range, the HH-60H helicopters can conduct missions such as strike rescue, special warfare support, MEDEVAC and anti-surface strike operations.
Deliveries are scheduled to start in January 2013.
Image: A US Navy’s MH-60R helicopter conducts mission. Photo: courtesy of US Navy / Espinoza.
