Anti-Submarine Helicopters use specially-designed sensors and weapon systems to singlehandedly find, track, and even destroy submarines.
One of the biggest fears of submarines are specially designed military helicopters developed with anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Such aircraft have grown enormously in the latest years. But how does a helicopter of this type work, and why are the most sophisticated products so efficient in their role?
First of all, anti-submarine warfare helicopters serve in naval environments, while they mainly operate on vessels (with a suitable hangar), alone, or with one more to two other similar aircraft. Their role is clear: anti-submarine warfare helicopters serve as aircraft that search, detect and track enemy submarines and underwater vehicles. Many of the most modern helicopters of this type can perform attack operations, although the payload limits its firepower. There are secondary tasks and missions that these aircraft can complete, but their main concern is finding every enemy submarine, using their specially designed sensors and systems. Let's see what are the ten most sophisticated helicopters of this kind capable of.
The Chinese Z-9EC is a version of the Harbin Z-9 that was designed for the armed forces of Pakistan. With its advanced systems, its powerful radar, and its capable low-frequency sensor, the Z-9EC helicopter has very strong key features that make it a formidable war machine. The helicopter carries light torpedoes and operates on the Pakistani frigates of the F-22P Zulfiquar class.
United States achieved to improve even more the powerful SH-2 Seasprite with the SH-3 Super Seasprite version. The newer helicopter is being operated by Egypt, New Zealand, and Poland. It can be armed with a variety of different weapons, like anti-ship missiles, air-to-surface missiles (like AGM-65 Maverick), and Mk.50 torpedoes.
Another US helicopter on the list is the capable SH-3 Sea King, which was produced by Sikorsky at the end of the '50s. Even if it was retired from the US Navy years ago, newer versions of the baseline are still active with the armed forces of other nations. The SH-3 is the first amphibious helicopter. That means that the aircraft was the first helicopter with the capability to land on water. The Sea King can carry nuclear depth charges, while some versions (like the SH-3H) can be equipped with two Mk 46.44 anti-submarine torpedoes.
Westland Helicopters acquired a production license for the SH-3 Sea King in the United Kingdom. Although, the company changed the avionics and the anti-submarine equipment that the US Navy used. Even if the British armed forces don't operate the Westland Sea King anymore, the helicopter is still active with many navies around the world. Similar to SH-3, Westland's Sea King can also land on the surface of the water. The aircraft operates with a crew of 2 to 4 men, depending on the requirements of each mission. The helicopter can carry up to four Mk. 44, Mk. 46 or Stigray torpedoes or four deep charges. Some export versions can even be armed with the Exocet anti-ship missiles.
Ka-27PL is the first version of the Soviet Ka-27 helicopter. Due to its two coaxial, contra-rotating rotors, the aircraft is very stable and easy to fly. Ka-27PL carries the standard equipment of a typical modern anti-submarine helicopter. That includes strong sensors and advanced systems.
AW159 is a British-made, small helicopter with very modern sensors and systems. The helicopter carries two Stingray torpedoes or deep charges. There is another option of armament that consists of four Thales Martlet multi-role light air-to-surface missiles.
Z-18F is a specially designed version (for anti-submarine warfare) of the Chinese Z-18. The helicopter, which it looks like is being produced in large numbers, is being called the “Eagle of the Sea” by the Chinese. Z-18F features radar capable of searching on the surface and a very capable sensor. It can also carry up to four light torpedoes or missiles. Reports say that the helicopter can probably detect ballistic missiles that are being launched from frigates against vessels or aircraft that escort it.
NH90 is the result of the first, totally European program for an anti-submarine warfare helicopter. The aircraft was produced by France, Germany, Italy, and Holland. Its 360 search radar, its sophisticated sensor, and the magnetic anomaly detector make the helicopter perform impressively in its role.
AgustaWestland AW101 is a helicopter produced by British and Italian companies, is an excellent helicopter that was designed and developed to replace the Sea King. Many countries operate the aircraft, while some of them refer to it with the designation Merlin. The helicopter, which is equipped with sonobuoy, can operate autonomously in anti-submarine warfare missions.
Of course, the ideal position for the US MH-60R Seahawk is at the top of the list. The helicopter is in use by the US Navy and the Royal Navy of Australia and operates with its main missions against surface targets. Seahawk features a sophisticated active sensor and a search radar with an automatic periscope that can provide the capability of target discrimination. It also carries sonobuoy that can be launched from the air. Last but not least, its armaments can be two Mk.46, Mk.50, or Mk.53 light torpedoes, two AGM-119B Penguin anti-ship missiles, or four AGM-114 hellfire air-to-surface missiles. Besides that, there is an optional machine gun (7.62mm or 12.7 mm gun) that can be mounted on one of the doors of the Seahawk. It's worth noting that these helicopters are still being delivered to Navies around the world (a good example is the Greek Navy which is waiting for its SH-60R anti-submarine warfare helicopters).
Other interesting features of the helicopter are its foldable tail (to reduce size while stationary on a vessel), the 2.7 tonnes maximum capacity of cargo that can be vertically carried, and the two General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines, that also can be found on the SH-60B helicopter.
Leave a Reply
Useful Links
Categories
Top Model Escorts. All rights reserved.