The U.S. Coast Guard operates a fleet of 51 MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters, which have proven to be highly durable and reliable aircraft. With over 13,000 lives saved since entering service in 1990, the Jayhawk has demonstrated its capability to perform critical search and rescue, law enforcement, and marine environmental protection missions.
The Coast Guard's talented maintainers, supported by the Aviation Logistics Center in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, have enabled the MH-60T fleet to achieve the highest average flight hours of any H-60 fleet in the world. This is a testament to the aircraft's robust design and the dedication of the maintenance team.
To ensure the continued reliability and effectiveness of the fleet, the Coast Guard initiated a recapitalization program in 2021, which will replace the existing MH-60T airframes with 45 new ones. The first new airframe was delivered to the Coast Guard on November 30, 2023, marking an important milestone in the program. The durability and performance of the MH-60T have made it an essential asset for the Coast Guard, and the new airframes will help to maintain the fleet's high level of readiness and effectiveness.
Did you know: The U.S. Coast Guard has operated Sikorsky helicopters since 1943.
For a short history of Sikorsky helicopters operated by the U.S. Coast Guard, see “Sikorsky Serves the Coast Guard”
Proven Performance
Many lives saved
Service Life Extension
Sikorsky is under contract to deliver 45 new MH-60T airframes to the U.S. Coast Guard, which will be supported by a service life extension plan aimed at increasing the operational life of the MH-60T fleet.
Like a SEAHAWK
The MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter has a proven track record of exceptional performance and durability, with its origins dating back to the HH-60J helicopter, a derivative of the U.S. Navy's HH-60H Strike Rescue and Special Warfare Support Helicopter. Designed to meet the Coast Guard's need for a Medium Range Recovery helicopter, the HH-60J Jayhawk first took to the skies in March 1990, with Sikorsky delivering the first 22,000-lbs. aircraft equipped with advanced weather radar and other critical Coast Guard systems.
Over the years, the Jayhawk has undergone significant upgrades to enhance its performance and capabilities. Between 2007 and 2016, the Coast Guard's Aviation Logistics Center (ALC) conducted a major overhaul of all 42 HH-60J aircraft, installing digital "glass" cockpits, improved night vision, and other cutting-edge enhancements. This comprehensive modernization effort resulted in the aircraft being redesignated as the MH-60T, and has enabled it to maintain its position as a highly reliable and effective medium-range recovery helicopter.
The MH-60T's durability and performance have also been demonstrated through its ability to be remanufactured and upgraded. Beginning in 2010, the Coast Guard remanufactured three retired U.S. Navy SH-60F Seahawk helicopters to MH-60T specifications, bringing the total fleet size to 45 aircraft. This capability to extend the life of the aircraft and upgrade its systems has helped to ensure that the MH-60T remains a vital and dependable asset for the Coast Guard, with a reputation for delivering exceptional performance and reliability in a variety of operational environments.
Common avionics architecture system digital glass cockpit
Surface search radar and electro-optical/infrared sensors
Two GE T-700 engines
Five multifunction display screens
Rescue hoist
Integrated traffic collision avoidance system
7.62 mm machine guns (for warning shots and precise targeting)
Recent Rescue Stories
Surviving A Day With The United States Coast Guard
This is what it's like to be rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard.
No Food, No Water: Coast Guard Aircrews Rescue Boaters After Six Days at Sea
It’s May 20. Two men aboard an 18-foot recreational vessel are adrift off the coast of Acklins Island, Bahamas. After six days without food or water, they’ve grown lethargic. The vessel is now disabled and reported overdue by the Royal Bahamas Defense Force.
31 Fisherman Rescued Off the Coast of Nova Scotia
This past March, 31 fishermen lay stranded on top of a fishing vessel of the coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The 143-foot Atlantic Destiny, was taking on water while a fire raged below. As conditions deteriorated, the crew issued their mayday.
Rising to the challenge: Behind the scenes with the USCG in Kodiak, Alaska
Two recent SAR cases illustrate the variety of challenges faced by U.S. Coast Guard air crews in Kodiak, Alaska.
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