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Mine-Hunting Knighthawk Delivered The first Sikorsky MH-60S Knighthawk configured for Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) has been delivered to the US Navy. The 51st production MH-60S is the first Knighthawk with fixed provisions for AMCM and flew for the first time in late July. All subsequent MH-60S helicopters will incorporate AMCM provisions to provide Navy carrier battle groups and amphibious ready groups with organic airborne mine countermeasures capability. Initial Operational Capability is scheduled for 2005. Compatible with a choice of mine countermeasures systems, the AMCM configured Knighthawk incorporates a tow point in the lower fuselage transition, fittings for an AMCM operator console, and a 400 gal auxiliary internal fuel tank. The MH-60S can also accommodate a removable Carriage, Stream, Tow, And Recovery System (CSTARS) on the port side for deployable AMCM gear. The Navy plans to introduce a series of AMCM systems from 2003 to 2006. First-stage systems include the Raytheon AN/AQS-20 mine-hunting sonar with electro-optical identification capability; the Northrop Grumman Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS); and the EDO Corp. Organic Airborne and Surface Influence Suite (OASIS). The ALMDS spots moored or floating mines at keel depth. The new OASIS sled combines the acoustic and magnetic mine detonation functions now performed by Mk 104 and Mk 105 sweep gear. The CSTARS supplied by Concurrent Technologies Corp. deploys the sonar wet end and other towed bodies from the MH-60S. Second-stage AMCM systems include the Northrop Grumman Rapid Airborne Mine Clearing System (RAMICS). The laser-aimed RAMICS cannon fires 30 mm fin-stabilized discarding sabot rounds to detonate floating or moored mines detected by ALMDS. The AMCM-configured MH-60S is strengthened to accommodate the high recoil forces of the gun. In addition to RAMICS, the expendable, robotic Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS) still in competitive development promises to identify and detonate bottom mines. The MH-60S CSTARS will deploy the torpedo-like AMNS. AMCM provisions add about 300 lb to the empty weight of the MH-60S, and Sikorsky is studying a range of joint-service weight reduction initiatives including lightweight crewseats, composite stabilizers, and other design changes. Under the approved Concept of Operations, the Navy will acquire 271 MH-60S helicopters with deliveries stretching through 2014. The Knighthawk is currently flying with five Navy squadrons.
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