Fourteen MH-60R “Romeo” multi-role helicopters have been delivered ahead of schedule to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), which will receive a total of 24 aircraft by 2016.
As a result of the seamless teamwork across industry, government and both the U.S. Navy and RAN, the MH-60R program won the “Project of the Year” award from the ACT Chapter of the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM). The award serves to recognise, honour and promote outstanding achievements in program and project management.
“This award is particularly exceptional because AIPM, a national non-Defence body, has recognised the hard work and great results achieved by the broader acquisition,” said Captain Peter Ashworth. “The MH-60R project has also been nominated as a contender for the national awards due to the excellent teamwork, goodwill and communication by all parties involved.”
In June 2011, Team Seahawk responded to the Australian Defence Force’s need for a fleet of new-generation, multi-role naval combat aircraft. The MH-60R, with its proven sensors and systems, will provide the RAN with advanced anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities.
“MH-60R helicopters shift the advantage from the submarine to the helicopter, effectively addressing today’s increasing submarine and surface warfare threats,” Tom Kane, Lockheed Martin director of Naval Helicopter Programs. “We are honored to partner with Sikorsky Aircraft, the U.S. Navy and the RAN to deliver these capabilities through our systems integration role.”
Aboard the MH-60R, sensor data is integrated into actionable information for the three-member crew. The mission systems compile data from onboard and offboard sensors to create an integrated picture that allows the helicopter to identify, locate, track and prosecute threats.