MH-60 Romeo Helicopter

About MH-60 Romeo Helicopter

• It is the world’s most advanced maritime helicopter and the U.S. Navy's primary anti-submarine and surface warfare helicopter, specially designed for all aspects of land or maritime operations.
• It is manufactured by US defence major Lockheed Martin.
• It is an all-weather helicopter designed with state-of-the-art avionics and sensors.
• The helicopter is equipped for a range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), search-and-rescue (SAR), naval gunfire support (NGFS), surveillance, communications relay, logistics support and personnel transfer, and vertical replenishment (VERTREP). 
• The helicopter operates from frigates, destroyers, cruisers, amphibious ships, and aircraft carriers and is suitable for intense littoral warfare operations for handling numerous contacts in confined spaces, and for open-water operations. 
• The Indian government ordered 24 MH-60 Romeo helicopters for the Indian Navy in 2020 at a cost of more than 14000 crores. Deliveries commenced in 2022 and are planned to be completed in 2025.
• Features:
  • It carries advanced airborne active sonar, multi-mode search radar, and a nose-mounted forward-looking infrared (FLIR) turret.
  • The cabin can accommodate three or four flight crews and five passengers.
  • It is powered by two turboshaft engines rated at 1,425kW.
  • Maximum Speed: 267 km/h
  • Range: 454 km
  • Weapons include torpedoes, air-to-ground missiles and rockets, and crew-served guns.
  • It has an integrated self-defense system.

Q1) What are torpedoes?

A torpedo is a type of missile or bomb fired underwater. Torpedoes are cigar-shaped projectiles that are used to attack other submarines or boats. The word torpedo comes from the name of a kind of electric ray that numbs you with its sting (torpediniformes). Torpedoes can also be used to attack a target on land.

Source: Lockheed Martin delivers 6th MH-60R ‘Romeo’ helicopter to Indian Navy