Coast Guard Helicopters
The Coast Guard operates two primary helicopter types for its diverse missions. These aircraft are the workhorses of Coast Guard aviation, performing thousands of search and rescue cases, law enforcement operations, and homeland security missions each year.
MH-60T Jayhawk
| Manufacturer: | Sikorsky Aircraft |
| Type: | Medium Range Recovery (MRR) Helicopter |
| Crew: | 4 (2 pilots, flight mechanic, rescue swimmer) |
| Length: | 64 feet 10 inches |
| Rotor Diameter: | 53 feet 8 inches |
| Max Speed: | 180 knots |
| Range: | 700 nautical miles |
| Ceiling: | 12,000 feet |
| Endurance: | 6-7 hours |
| Hoist Capacity: | 600 lbs / 6 survivors |
| Engines: | 2x General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshafts |
Overview
The MH-60T Jayhawk is the Coast Guard's primary medium-range recovery helicopter. Based on the U.S. Army's UH-60 Black Hawk and Navy's SH-60 Seahawk, the Jayhawk has been optimized for Coast Guard missions with enhanced avionics, fuel capacity, and rescue equipment.
Capabilities
- All-weather day/night operations
- Automatic approach to hover over water
- Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera system
- Satellite communications
- Auxiliary fuel tanks for extended range
- External rescue hoist (200 ft cable)
- Weapons mounting capability
Operational History
The HH-60J Jayhawk entered Coast Guard service in 1990, replacing the HH-3F Pelican. The fleet was upgraded to MH-60T configuration between 2007-2014, adding modern avionics, glass cockpit, and improved sensors. Jayhawks have rescued thousands of people from the most challenging conditions, including hurricanes, sinking vessels, and remote wilderness areas.
Notable Rescue
During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Coast Guard helicopter crews rescued over 33,000 people from flooded areas around New Orleans. MH-60 crews flew continuous operations, often returning with maximum survivor loads.
MH-65 Dolphin
| Manufacturer: | Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) |
| Type: | Short Range Recovery (SRR) Helicopter |
| Crew: | 4 (2 pilots, flight mechanic, rescue swimmer) |
| Length: | 44 feet 4 inches |
| Rotor Diameter: | 39 feet 2 inches |
| Max Speed: | 165 knots |
| Range: | 400 nautical miles |
| Ceiling: | 15,000 feet |
| Endurance: | 3-4 hours |
| Hoist Capacity: | 600 lbs |
| Engines: | 2x Turbomeca Arriel 2C2-CG turboshafts |
Overview
The MH-65 Dolphin is the Coast Guard's short-range recovery helicopter. Highly maneuverable and reliable, the Dolphin is ideal for rapid response missions from coastal air stations and deployment aboard cutters equipped with flight decks.
Capabilities
- Shipboard operations from National Security Cutters and other vessels
- FLIR and searchlight for night operations
- Fenestron (shrouded tail rotor) for improved safety
- Advanced autopilot with hover capabilities
- Compact size for hangar storage aboard cutters
Variants
MH-65D: Standard configuration with upgraded avionics and glass cockpit.
MH-65E: Latest upgrade with new engines, avionics, and improved performance.
HITRON Operations
The Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) operates specially configured MH-65 helicopters for airborne use of force (AUF) missions against drug smuggling vessels. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, HITRON crews deploy aboard Coast Guard cutters throughout drug transit zones.
Capabilities
- Precision rifle marksmanship to disable vessel engines
- M240 machine gun for warning shots
- M107 .50 caliber precision rifle
- Day/night operations
- Deployment from NSCs and other cutters
Drug Interdiction
HITRON has been instrumental in stopping thousands of pounds of cocaine and other drugs from reaching U.S. shores. When go-fast boats refuse to stop, HITRON marksmen can precisely disable outboard engines, allowing surface forces to make arrests.
Deployable Operations
Coast Guard helicopters regularly deploy aboard cutters equipped with flight decks:
- National Security Cutters (WMSL): Dual helicopter hangar, MH-65 or MH-60
- Famous-class (WMEC-270): Single helicopter hangar, MH-65
- Legend-class operations: Extended law enforcement patrols