Naval Helicopters: An Overview of Asian Latest Fleets

Naval helicopters, as it is termed, are specifically built for military sorties in the open sea. Sometimes known as maritime helicopters, these rotor-winged aircraft are used as a mean of troop transport, combat search and rescue operation (CSAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) as well as combat purposes. These helicopters, exclusively intended for specific missions, are categorised into different categories such as tactical helicopters, surveillance helicopters as well as anti-submarine helicopters.

The induction of naval helicopters, onboard warships, has to a great extent, enhanced navies’ operational efficiency. While modern helicopters are able to carry out multiple types of missions, naval helicopters of the early days were assigned solely as plane guards, tasked to discover and recover aircrew of ditched plane and helicopters throughout an aircraft carrier flight operation.

The advancement of technologies saw manufacturers producing helicopters equipped with integral dunking sonar, advanced radar system plus magnetic anomaly detection equipment which in turn enabled manufacturers to assemble helicopters with a higher payload capacity and longer endurance. Helicopters are now able to function with less dependency on parent and other warships.

To date, all naval helicopters are finely equipped with most advanced avionics, efficient and powerful engines, precise and lethal armaments as well as adequate protection against the unforgiving sea conditions especially salt water corrosion. ASPAC Defence looks at a number of naval helicopters in service or about to enter service across the Asia-Pacific.

Sikorsky MH-60R

The MH-60 of R variant from Sikorsky, designated as “Seahawk” was originally referred as “LAMPS Mark III Block II Upgrade”. The helicopter, according to Sikorsky was designed with combined quality from the SH-60B and SH-60F helicopters, producing a multi-role helicopter capable of handling missions in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), CSAR and MEDEVAC.

Kitted with the deadly Mk-54 active homing torpedo, the MH-60R is a great force against sub-surface threats. The new MH-60R warfare sensor has made it a game-changer. Retrofitted with the new AN/APS multi-mode radar, MH-60R is capable of displaying ten times the number of tracks compared to the previous system and the Electronic Support Measure (ESM) system has a passive capability that provides greater accuracy compared to earlier versions.

The equipment of these state-of-the-art technologies has put the MH-60R into a leading naval helicopter, with thousands of logged operation hours with the US Navy. Powered by two General Electric T700-GE-401C turbo-shaft engines, each producing 1911shp, the MH-60R is able to reach a maximum flight speed of 144 knots (267 km/h). Adding up to that, pilots instrumentation are configured with digital displays that resemble the glass cockpit of the MH-60S, another variant of the Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk helicopters.

Australia, on 2011 has announced the procurement of Sikorsky’s MH-60R for the nation’s defence force’s requirement, a demand for a fleet of 24 new-generation multi-role naval combat helicopter. Upon deliveries, Sikorsky will put up their plan to bring long-term jobs and work opportunities to the Australian industry, which is estimated to value at USD1.5 billion. Sikorsky added that the Royal Australian Navy is expected to take delivery of the first MH-60R beginning 2014. In addition to that, the Republic of Singapore Navy has recently ordered an additional two units of the S-70B helicopters to add to the six already in service with delivery expected to take place in 2016 while the Royal Brunei Air Force is due to receive their S-70i Black Hawk by the end of this year, ahead of its schedule time. The twelve RBAF helicopters are expected to carry out maritime duties as well.

AgustaWestland AW159

The AW159, earlier acknowledged as Future Lynx or the Lynx Wildcat, is a new generation naval helicopter, first inducted into the British Army and Royal Navy services. The helicopter, an improvised version of the top-notch Westland Super Lynx was manufactured for hazardous battlefield deployment, CSAR mission as well as ASuW.

AW159 comes out of assembly line equipped with a semi-rigid rotor head that contributes to the helicopter’s high agility, matching the operating capabilities of the legendary Lynx helicopter. In addition to that, AgustaWestland also fits the helicopter with high performance composite rotor blades, which at one point of history assisted the Lynx helicopter to break the world helicopter speed record.

The helicopter is driven by two LHTEC CTS 800-HN engines, each producing 1361shp, with the ability to operate in hot and high environment. Aircrew operation also is moreover succored by the integration of four 10”x8” cockpit displays combined with up to date, fully integrated avionics. AgustaWestland has as well made a decision to manufacture the AW159 with anti-ship missiles, torpedoes and door-mounted guns, specially fitted for combat purposes.

The government of South Korea, on Jan 15 heralded the procurement of AW159 to fulfil its Navy’s requirement. The selection, according to the Royal Navy, will strengthen their bilateral relationship with the Korean counterpart. Deliveries which are expected to commence in 2015 until 2016 will see the helicopter equipped with various cutting-edge technologies including active dipping sonar, 360 degree scan radar, nose mounted electro-optical device and a rescue hoist.

AgustaWestland Super Lynx

The Super Lynx, a multi-role, multi-mission maritime and utility helicopter by AgustaWestland is presently operational with various world leading armed forces, a proven fact of its ability to outnumber other helicopters of similar class. Built with fully-marinised airframe, the helicopter was designed to withstand the harmful salt-water corrosion during rigorous sea-operation conditions.

With small ship deployment in mind, the helicopter was primarily designed with exceptional features including lower centre of gravity, foldable blades and tail for trouble-free storage as well as a mixture of other rugged characteristics. In order to operate within the harsh maritime environment, AgustaWestland came up with the resolution to fit the Super Lynx with two LHTEC CTS800-4N engines, generating 1361shp capacity, boosted by a single engine capability. This, in a larger picture, helps support the helicopter’s operation ability in a demanding hot and high condition deployments.

The Super Lynx is technically equipped with an advanced Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatible cockpit, integrated avionics suite as well as an array of optional equipments, meant to enable the helicopter to deliver day and night, all-weather ASW, ASuW and CSAR missions. The technologies that come along the Super Lynx have been proven to support numbers of autonomous operation in detecting and prosecuting targets.

Members of ASEAN countries such as Malaysia and Thailand have chosen the Super Lynx as their superior naval helicopter, with six currently operational in the Royal Malaysian Navy and four in the Royal Thailand Navy. The helicopter, along other naval assets has become a key player in maintaining maritime sovereignty for both countries alike.

Eurocopter EC725

The EC725, a top of the line helicopter by Eurocopter, also named the Super Cougar is a long-range tactical transport helicopter, in the beginning developed from the long-standing Puma family. Surprisingly, despite the primary purpose of land operation utilisation, the EC725 has become a popular naval helicopter thanks to the various developments and upgrades by Eurocopter.

Derived from the civilian EC225 model, Eurocopter has deliberately built the EC725 for military use, with a twin-engine configuration along a spacious cabin, capable of transporting up to 29 soldiers. Despite the noticeably large size, the Super Cougar was designed to perform multiple types of mission including MEDEVAC and CSAR.

In support of security and self-defence, the EC725 is equipped with expanded weapons load including two 7.62mm FN MAG machine guns, an option of two 68mm Thales Brandt or Forges Zeebrugge rocket launchers, two 20mm GIAT cannons and also the Dassault Electronique EWR-99 FRUIT RWR radar warning receiver. These armaments were intended to come along the helicopter to ensure higher survival ability in dangerous combat environments.

At the heart of the helicopter are two powerful Turbomeca Makila 2A1 turboshaft engines featuring a dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system. Driven by both engines, the helicopter is capable to cruise at a speed of 285 km/h with an outstanding efficient range of 1339km. The EC725, according to Eurocopter, can also be optionally equipped with an anti-icing system, a key feature meant to support very cold climates operation.

Catered for the crew is an integration package of advanced multi-display cockpit consisting of a hi-tech display system featuring a digital map as well as the Active Matrix LCD system. In addition to that, the Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) equipped in the helicopter enables the EC725 to perform day and night CSAR.

The EC725, which has proven its capabilities with the Brazilian and the French armed forces, is now operational in the Royal Malaysian Air Force. Currently in manufacturing stage for the Indonesia Air Force and Royal Thai Air Force, the EC725 is set to be delivered circa 2014 and 2015 respectively.

Bell 412EP

With the introduction of the 412EP model, Bell has once again made its presence felt, with purchase agreements by more than 20 countries, surpassing most of its competitors in term of sale revenue.

The Bell 412 was developed during the 70’s when Bell converted the up-and-flying 212 model into the 412 prototype. From the two-bladed 212 model, Bell has radically altered the helicopter with the integration of the four-bladed rotor thus producing the latter version, the 412 type and it was until recent years that Bell came up with the 412EP (Enhanced Performance) model.

Featuring the trademarked BLR Strake and Fast Fin systems, the 412EP model has proven its ability to deliver improved hovering ability in crosswind as well as hot and high conditions. This is added with low fuel consumption, a characteristic very important in this critical period when even the richest country is cutting on military expenditure. Pratt & Whitney was awarded the responsibility to supply their engines for the 412EP helicopters and they came up with the PT6T-3DF Twin Pac engines offering guaranteed Time Between Overhaul (TBO) of 4000 to 5000 hours.

Bell 412EP, through the enormous 2.3 metres door opening has made soldiers and equipment transportation easier. Added with ergonomic seating configuration, the 412EP is able to accommodate 15 soldiers, including two crewmembers. These characteristics, along with the adoption of rupture resistance fuel cells, energy absorbing crew seats as well as the collective mounted throttles has enabled Bell to produce a helicopter with greater and higher safety limitations.

The Bell 412EP, introduced as a multi-purpose utility helicopter, has a capability to cruise at a speed of 226 km/h with a maximum flight range of up to 980 km. Weighing slightly less than three tonnes, the helicopter is a good option for fast and light utilisation. Latest update in the ASEAN region saw the Indonesian army receiving six Bell 412EP helicopters with an addition of 16 units of similar model with deliveries expected to complete by the end of 2014. Currently, the Bell 412EP is operational with various armed forces including the Philippines, South Korea and Thailand.

AgustaWestland AW109

The AW109 is a lightweight, twin engine, eight-seater, multi-purpose helicopter built by the Anglo-Italian manufacturer AgustaWestland. Introduced in 1971 as A109, the helicopter has proven itself in light transport, MEDEVAC, CSAR and various military roles.

Initially a civilian helicopter, the A109 has gone through various modifications and upgrades in fulfilling the ever-challenging military demands consequently resulting the introduction of the AW109. AgustaWestland has come up with optional engines, either the Pratt & Whitney PW206C or the Turbomeca Arrius 2K1, both supported by FADEC system.

The system, supported by a digital glass cockpit consisting of six digital LCD instrumentation with modern softwares has help to reduce pilot workload, which in a way grants them the essential time and space to focus on mission execution. Categorised in a three-tonne class, the helicopter has a considerably spacious cabin mainly designed to fit numbers of modular equipments for an easy and timeless conversion between roles.

Safety measures, like any other helicopter manufacturers, were critically taken into consideration therefore resulting the decision to include a fully separated fuel system for less fire risk, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical system as well as redundant lubrication and cooling system for main transmission and engines.

AgustaWestland has additionally reinforced the landing gear on all AW109 model for a safer and long-lasting shipboard operations. Extensive corrosion protection is not left out to ensure the helicopter’s robustness in maritime settings. These improvements underline the AW109 ability to perform missions in extreme weathers and environments.

To date, the Philippine Navy, which is going through modernisation initiatives, has agreed to purchase three AW109 in a process of boosting its maritime security and disaster response capabilities. The purchase comprises personnel trainings added with initial logistic support amounting to USD 31.7 million. The decision, according to the Philippine Navy, was made on many aspects, mainly of its cost-effectiveness. Delivery is set to take place in 2014.

Eurocopter AS555 Fennec

On January 2011, the Royal Malaysian Navy PASKAL commandos have executed a recovery mission on a hijacked Malaysian tanker with remarkable success, supported by the Fennec helicopter. The mission, conducted against the brutal Somali pirates, saw the Fennec acted as reconnaissance and aerial guardian to keep the pirate’s ship away from the combat scene. The event made into news headlines worldwide, with the Fennec portrayed as a key player during the event.

The AS555 Fennec is a multipurpose military helicopter, manufactured by Eurocopter primarily for navies’ utilisation. The helicopter was at first designed based on the AS350 Ecureuil and AS355 Ecureuil 2 series and later named Fennec, after the Fennec Fox.

Weighing around 2.8 tonnes, the Fennec is powered by two Turbomeca Arrius 1A turboshaft engines, rated at 415kW readily equipped with the FADEC system, enabling the helicopter to perform automatic sequenced engine starting. Eurocopter has also included two integral fuel tanks; with 1202 litres fuel capacity, allowing a maximum flight range of 695km.

Beyond that, the helicopter can also be fitted with a wide range of weapons load to fulfil mission and operation requirements of many armed forces. The weaponry include missiles, rockets and guns such as the Forges de Zeebruge rocket launcher carrying seven 2.75in rockets and the Thales Brandt 68mm launcher carrying 12 rockets. For ship borne operation, the helicopter comes with ASW and over the horizon (OTH) targeting features, as well as a chin-mounted Telephonics RDR-1500B X-band, 360-degree digital colour radar, for search and surveillance application.

In favour of crew operation support, the helicopter is provided with a night vision compatible cockpit. This, despite being a common feature in most naval helicopters, is furthermore adjoined with the Thales Avionics Nadir 10 navigation system, a Sagem 85 T31 three-axis autopilot and Thales Detexis RDN 85 Doppler radar.

The AS555 Fennec 2, having served the Royal Malaysian Navy for the past nine years as multi-role training helicopter is now still operational, and its newer generation, the AS550 is in operation with the Pakistan Navy while some are currently in production for the Royal Thailand Navy.

Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin/ Harbin Z-9

Dauphin helicopter is a renowned rotary-wing aircraft, having served some of the world biggest armed forces including the USA and India. Derived from the single-engined, Aerospatiale’s SA 360 Dauphin variant, the helicopter has build up its reputation as corporate transport, airborne law enforcement platform, emergency medical services (EMS) helicopter, electronic news gathering platform as well as SAR helicopter.

The helicopter, assigned as navy’s multipurpose helicopter, has gone through rigid developments, for example the integration of two Turboméca Arriel 2C engines, accumulatively producing more than 1600shp. The engine capacity contributes to the helicopter’s performance, with manufacturer maximum speed limit of 165 knots (306 km/h). The helicopter, weighing approximately 2.5 tonnes is capable to cruise to a total distance of 827km with the service ceiling limited at 5865 metres.

The Republic of China, through legal licensing process by Aerospatiale, has been given the rights to produce helicopters based on the original AS365 Dauphin model. They came up with the Harbin Z-9, a total resemblance of the original model. Through self-research and development, newer Z-9 models have been fitted with composite materials to increase structural strength as well as producing lower radar signature.

To date, the AS365 Dauphin/ Z-9, despite the introduction way back during the 70’s are currently still in production with demands by many civilian bodies and armed forces around the globe. Record shows that the Dauphin/ Z-9 helicopter is currently operational with various Asian navies such as Australia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Laos and Pakistan.