H-3 AIRCRAFT DESCRIPTION   Return to Top

Contractor:

Sikorsky Aircraft, Division of United Technologies

Type:

• General purpose, single rotary wing, twin turbine powered helicopter with emergency amphibious capabilities
• Available in Anti-Submarine Warfare (SH-3H/D) and Utility (UH-3H/SH-3G) configurations

Power Plant:

• SH-3H/UH-3H: Two General Electric T-58-GE-402 turboshaft engines. Each engine can produce approximately 1,500 shaft horsepower. Standard since 1991.
• SH-3D: Two General Electric T58-GE-10 turboshaft engines. Each engine can produce approximately 1,400 shaft horsepower.
• SH-3G: Two General Electric T58-GE-8F turboshaft engines. Each engine can produce approximately 1,250 shaft horsepower.

Accommodations:

• SH-3H/D: Crew of four (two pilots, two sensor operators) and up to three passengers
• UH-3H/SH-3G: Can be configured for up to 15 passengers in addition to the aircrew

Performance:   Return to Top

• SH-3D/H helicopters are capable of airspeeds up to 120 KIAS.
• Endurance varies between 3.5 and 5.5 hours depending on the mission.
• Maximum allowable weight (SH-3H/UH-3H): 21,000 pounds
• Maximum allowable weight (SH-3D): 20,500 pounds
• Maximum allowable weight (SH-3G): 19,100 pounds
• Provisions for carrying up to 6,000 pounds of external loads can be added.

Countermeasures:

Not applicable

Armament:

• Two MK-46/44 anti-submarine torpedoes
• Various sonobouys and pyrotechnic devices

Mission and Capabilities:  Return to Top

• Class IB aircraft designed for both shore- and ship-based operations
• U.S. Navy missions have included anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and miscellaneous utility roles, including limited external cargo capability.
• In the ASW role, major sensors include: AQS-13 and AQS-18 dipping sonar systems, various sonobuoys, and the ASQ-81 Magnetic Anomaly Detector. In addition, airborne search and weather radar have been mounted on the radar.
• Fully configured instruments for all weather operations
• Capable of automatic approach to a stabilized sustained hover
• The Teledyne AQS-123 TACNAV, a Doppler-based tactical navigation system, is installed in the SH-3H and UH-3H.
• Provisions for installation of a Global Position System (GPS) are being added to some models.

Program Summary:   Return to Top

• The SH-3H completed its last active duty deployment in 1995 and has been replaced in the USN carrier force by the SH-60.
• Eighty SH-3H helicopters will be converted to the UH-3H model, which are expected to remain in service with the U.S. Navy in a utility role through 2010.
• The U.S. Naval Reserves use six SH-3H helicopters in the ASW mission.
• The SH-3H and UH-3H have undergone a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), which included improvements to the airframe, electrical wiring, main transmission, and main rotor systems.
• SH-3D/G models and a few out-of-service SH-3H aircraft have not received the SLEP improvements.
• Significant aircrew safety enhancements have been affected by the addition of the Helicopter Emergency Egress Lighting System (HEELS) and Crash-Resistant Crew Seats.
• Installation of the Inflight Blade Integrity System (IBIS) for the in-service aircraft is planned during CY1996-97.
• Standard Depot Level Maintenance (SDLM) capability was transitioned in 1995 from organic to civilian contract depot support at PEMCO World Air Services, Dothan, AL.
• The H-3 is currently operated by numerous foreign governments, including: Spain, Egypt, Brazil, and Malaysia. These countries have active Security Assistance cases with the U.S. Navy for maintenance, logistics, and engineering support.

H-3 TECHNICAL DATA:  Return to Top