Hi there!!!
I’m looking to build an HH-60H Seahawk, or SH-60H, at 1/72, but i realize that it only has a few pair of kits available (Fujimi, and Italeri)…
Since i wanted an recessed panel lines kits, i wonder if i can grab an SH-60B Seahawk and recreate from it an HH-60H!!! 
Can anyone tell me wich are the best kits around, and if possible, what’s the main differences between th 60B and 60H??? 
Thanks!!!
[:)]Hi F-14 Fan.
Hasagawa used to do a seahawk in 1/72. It’s the SH-60B, I found it the Has. 2001 cataglogue. It’s got recessed lines, and hi-vis markings.
Hope this helps,
Darren[;)]
Does the navy use the HH version of anything?
I had always thought they used the SH version. It is equipped with a hoist and would carry a wet crewman for plane guard duties without any other modifications. They might even call it an HH while on Plane Guard duties. . .
It has been a while since I have been in the SAR loop.
Don
Yes Don, the Navy uses the Sikorsky HH-60H Seahawk for Combat Search Air Rescue as it’s primary mission. Reserve Sqn HCS-5 recieved it’s 1st aircraft direct from the factory in Aug 1989. Combining the missions of HC-9 and HAL-5, search air rescue and light attack, creating a unique unit which also worked with the Navy Pacific coast SEAL teams. [8D]
Chuck
Fly Navy
<img src=http://hyperphoto.photoloft.com/view/exportImage.asp?s=cano&i=10706787&w=170&h=169>
Image of HH-60H at work on the Channel Islands off the coast of So. California.
Well, guys, thanks, but i’ve decided to go on a “blind date” with the Italeri HH-60H (the only one available, i think) and bought it…
It doesn’t seem too bad, in the box…
Indeed, it has raised panel lines, but they aren’t too much, and i think it could make a very good kit!!!
Thank you all!!!
Are there any versions of the Navy Hawks out yet in 48th scale? I know the Cobra Company will be releasing some conversion kits but I thought I had heard there was going to some released this year. Anyone know?
Paul
I stand corrected uscusn.
What is the difference between the HH and the other versions? Other than dipping sonar of course, is the HH dedicated to SAR or is it a combat aircraft that can do SAR?
Don
dkmacin
The HH-60H is a SAR/Special Ops platform. It’s primary missions are combat strike rescue and special warfare support. You’re probably thinking of the SH-60F with the dipping sonar … called the CV Helo because it’s carrier based. The F model was created for the high noise area of the inner zone of the carrier battle group. It replaced the search radar, sonobouys and MAD gear of the B model with the dipping sonar and enhanced ASW avionics. The thought was, if the threat is close enough to be in the inner zone … you don’t worry about passive search … ping away!
Paul Pickett
Author “H-60 Black Hawk in Action”
Yes Paul, Italeri just released in the US an SH-60B kit in 1/48th scale. Took long enough to get here, seems the rest of the world had it a very good month before it hit U.S. shores.
Cobra Co. has designed detail sets for this kit for an updated “Bravo”, Foxtrot and also for the Hotel as well.
Goody, needless to say I’ll definately do all three but really going all out for the “H” model. Namely the mount I flew in as a member of HCS-5. Will depict one of the 4 that deployed to Tabuk AB, Saudi Arabia, Jan 1991.
Chuck
Fly Navy,
Air crew member, HCS-5 USNR
Chuck,
SAR/Special OPS, what does it carry on the inside SAR Gear wise? Is it rigged out seperately for a SAR mission on a case by case or just generally a plane waiting for the big one?
Don
[quote]
Originally posted by dkmacin
Chuck,
SAR/Special OPS, what does it carry on the inside SAR Gear wise? Is it rigged out seperately for a SAR mission on a case by case or just generally a plane waiting for the big one?
Don
On a typical rescue mission we were prepped for either a sea or land op. 2 rescue swimmers with a crew chief along with 2 pilots. Equipment, inflatable raft, PRC-90, rescue hoist, all crewmembers were trained for any medical assistance that may be required. A 2 ship affair if were to fly into a hot LZ, one helo standing for close air support as the other did the actual extraction. We were armed with 2 pintle mounted M60 7.62 light MG’s, on each side of the helo, a rocket pod can be mounted on the LH pylon, or Hellfires. As an option, .50 cal heavy MG’s also can be carried. For self defense we had an IR jammer and flare chaff dispensers as well. Each crewmember was issued a side arm, choice of a .45 or 9mm Beretta. Nice to know that this aircraft is all-weather and night mission capable. My heart still pounds over one foggy evening. Really scary…
Chuck
Fly Navy
I flew in the USCG HH65A as a flight mechanic first, then went down hill to Rescue Swimmer. We were always outfitted for SAR.
In Alaska the HH60J guys were primary SAR but we got a few in.
Mostly we rode on the back of cutters. Sometimes though, on the dark and stormy nights we’d have to go and pull some fisherman out of the water.
Ever wonder why no one gets in trouble on sunny, clear, calm days?
Don
hi, I work on SH-60B helos for the navy. I’ve had the chance to look at the H model, the main structural differance is the large crew window on the port side. The crew window is extended aft to occupy the space where the sono-buey launcher would be on the Bravo. Also the Hotel version has the wire strike devices installed. There are also numerous extra antennas on the Hotel. I would recommend using a Bravo model kit for the basic helo then cannibalizing an army MH-60K model for antennas. for the big crew window, well you’ll have to fabricate that. The interior of the Hotel is pretty much empty except for four troop seats across the aft bulkhead of the cargo compartment(canibalize these from the MH-60K). I may be able to dig up some pics of the Hotel mosel, but don’t hold your breath.
Hope this is helpful.
Hi F14 Fan,
I think saw a Tamiya 1/72 HH-60 Seahawk in the hobby shop the other week. It looks good with engraved panel lines. I am not sure of the version, though as I was not paying much attention to the labels only to the box art and pictures. If I remember it right the kit was manufactured somewhere in Europe?
I’m a USAF SAR dude, but have worked alot with navy 60’s (army 60’s and other platforms as well…nature of the business). Anyway, don’t forget that the HH-60H is the only Navy 60 with HIRSS. This are the IR supression baffles on the exhaust. The HH-60H is also the only Navy 60 that has a FLIR ball mounted on the nose. The H can go no-medium threat while the fox and bravo could only do no-low threat.
Well Salbando your facts are a little off. The Bravo does have a FLIR ball on the nose, we can fire hellfire, torpedos, and even penguin missiles. The Bravo is a bona fide war fighting machine. We extend the communications range of the frigates, destroyers, and cruisers we deploy to, as well as offering a well armed defensxe platform for the small boys while operating outside of a battle group. Don’t mean to brag, but we are proud of our Seahawks.
PROUD WARRIORS!
Templar8777,
Not trying to start a war here, but since the original post was in reference to differences in the Seahawk variants. all I’m saying is that I’ve been in the business (albeit USAF CSAR) for quite some time and have worked with USN aircrews and NSW lots of times both on contingencies and on exercises (most recently Desert Rescue down at NAS Fallon). I’m not saying that the SH-60B is a REMF toad airframe. Anything but that, especially considering the Block I and Armed Helicopter Program upgrades giving it FLIR, Hellfire/Penguin capability, and even provision for the GAU-16 .50 Cal. What I am saying is that one of it’s secondary missions is SAR. Not CSAR. I’ve never seen an SH-60B during a real-world or exercise CSAR. I even e-mailed an instructor I met at Fallon (best home-brew I’ve ever tasted) concerning this. He’s the one that gave me the upgrade info. He said that the SOP for the Navy is to limit the Bravos and Foxs to low-no threat missions, whereas the Hotels were taylor made for CSAR and NSW and therefore could go Medium - no threat (and they are still the only Seahwks with HIRSS). Now I realize threats can be reduced (CSARTF, SEAD, RESCORT, RESCAP) but I’ve got to go with the instructor and what I’ve actually seen in this case.
BTW if anyones interested, I’ve got some great shots of the Black camo and desert camo (hind similator) SH-60’s from NSAWC at Fallon. I also took some shots of their aggressor F-5’s and F-16s. Interesting paint schemes. I was even able to get a couple of the Threat Center’s HIND and their HIP. During one scenario, the HIP got two kills on A-10’s.
Here’s a great link I found with detail shots of the SH-60B including the interior. Note the cramped interior with all of the sensor operator gear. Is there provision for mounting an MG on the left side of the aircraft? No HIRSS
http://www.ksurf.net/~fanakit/docphoto/Seahawk/page_01.htm
Here’s a shot of an SH-60F in flight next to an HH-60H. Note the differences.
http://www.navalhelicopterassn.org/Index%20of%20Photographs/Seahawk%20F%20Gallery/HS-11.jpg
Just for notes…in a few years the Navy will phase the HH-60H to the MH-60S as the Combat SAR platform. The MH-60S has replaced the CH/HH-46Ds of the HC units in the VERTREP role. The MH-60S is basically an Army Blackhawk painted gray. It’s also the other Navy H-60 that has HIRSS.
Carl