SH-60B Lamps MKIII

The Light Airborne Multipurpose System (LAMPS) MKIII is a major weapons system designed to dramatically increase the war fighting capabilities of the surface combatant in a multi-threat environment. LAMPS MKIII embodies a ship-and-air integration concept in which an air vehicle is used as an extension of the surveillance and attack systems of the own ship. The LAMPS MKIII is a manned SH-60B Seahawk helicopter that provides a distant and elevated platform for sensors (such as radar and electronic support measures) and the remote delivery of weapons (MK-46 & MK-50 Torpedoes, AGM-119B Penguin and AGM-114B/K Hellfire missiles). The ship provides tactical direction, acoustic sensor processing, redetection, and evaluation in the execution of its primary and secondary missions through a digital, real-time Data Link.

The 21,000 pound SH-60B Seahawk is powered by two 1940 SHP turbo-shaft engines and has a maximum speed of 180 knots. With an endurance of 3.5 to 4.0 hours, the Seahawk can patrol out to a range in excess of 100 NM. External loads of 6000 pounds can be carried for vertical replenishment missions.

The LAMPS MK III flight crew consists of two pilots and one aircrewman. One pilot controls the operation of the helicopter, and the other pilot, called the Airborne Tactical Officer, ATO, conducts the mission. The aircrewman (Sensor Operator) operates the radar and acoustic systems. A second aircrewman is added to act as a rescue swimmer during search and rescue missions.

The Seahawk's missions include undersea warfare, anti-surface surveillance and targeting/anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, logistics/vertical replenishment, medical evacuation, naval gunfire support and communications relay.

The Seahawk helicopter differs from other helicopters in the Navy inventory in that, the Recovery Assist, Secure and Traverse (RAST) landing system is used. This system allows for recovery of aircraft in high sea states (6 degrees pitch, and 15 degrees roll). During RAST operations, the helicopter lowers a messenger cable that is connected to the ship's haul down cable. The messenger cable is raised and locked into the helicopter's RAST probe. Four thousand PSI of force are applied to the haul down cable which guides the probe into the locking beams of the Rapid Securing Device (RSD). The RSD also serves as the motive force to traverse the helicopter into and out of the hanger. (Movement of the SH-60B by hand is prohibited except during emergencies due to the 15,500 pound empty weight).

Characteristics		Dimensions
Maximum Gross Weight:	21,700 lbs	Operating Length:	64 ft 10 in
Engines:	(2) T700-GE-401C	Operating Width:	53 ft 8 in
Mission Endurance:	3.5 to 4 hours	Operating Height:	17 ft 0 in
Maximum Speed:	180 knots	Folded Length:	40 ft 11 in
Minimum Speed:	0 knots	Folded Width:	10 ft 7 in
Weapons:	Up to 3 torpedoes	Folded Height:	13 ft 3 in
	1 Penguin Missile	Main Rotor Diameter:	53 ft 8 in
	4 HELLFIRE Missiles	Tail Rotor Diameter:	11 ft 0 in
	M-60/GAU-16 Machine Gun	Turning radius:	41 ft 7 in