Sikorsky S-70C(M)-2 Thunderhawk (Republic of China)

[Miki_Hoshii 2,449]

Hello everyone! Today I would like to present to you the Sikorsky S-70C(M)-2 Thunderhawk operated by the Republic of China Navy. The S-70C(M)'s are the primary helicopter operated by the Republic of China Navy today.

 

 

History:

With the acquisition of the S-70C(M)-1, the Republic of China Navy greatly increased its anti-submarine warfare helicopter capabilities. However the S-70C(M)-1 still lagged behind the American SH-60B Seahawk in terms of engine power. On June 27th, 1997 a deal was worked out to procure 11 S-70C(M)-2 for the Republic of China. The S-70C(M)-2 was identical to the earlier S-70C(M)-1 developed specifically for the ROCN. The same changes from standard civilian S-70's included structural modifications such as a fuselage reinforcement, reinforced landing gear, forward gear being moved further ahead compared to the land based S-70C's. Additional modifications were made to allow for stowage on ROCN warships this included salt-proofing, anti-corrosion treatments, tail folding capabilities, and the folding of the main rotors. An enlarged fuel tank from the SH-60B Seahawk over the smaller sized S-70 fuel tank. The S-70C(M)-2 was equipped with two torpedo pylons, and differed in capabilities compared to US SH-60's. The S-70C(M)-2 was equipped with a AN/ALR-606(V)2 ESM system capable of direction-finding as well as performing as a radar warning receiver, additionally the helicopter was equipped with a AN/APS-143(V)3 surface search radar. The S-70C(M)-2 was also equipped with the same six-pod sonar buoy dispenser and dipping sonar that was found on the SH-60F.  The unique change to the S-70C(M)-2 over the S-70C(M)-1 however was in its powerplant. While the S-70C(M)-1 was powered by a civilian General Electric CT7-2D1 making 1,625 SHP, the S-70C(M)-2 received the military General Electric T700-GE-401C producing 1,800 SHP each. The first S-70C(M)-2's were received by the Republic of China Navy in March, 2000. These helicopters were assigned to the newly formed 702nd Helicopter Light Squadron, and declared operational on the 9th of July, 2001. On October 19th 2005, one S-70C(M)-2 was fatally lost when the helicopter crashed in the sea during training operations with the ROCN frigate Tzu I (PFG-1107). There are ongoing talks with the United States to replace the S-70C(M)'s with MH-60R Seahawks. 10 S-70C(M)-2's remain in service alongside its older S-70C(M)-1's as the primary ASW helicopter of the ROCN.

 

 

 

In-Game:

Similar to other helicopters of the Seahawk/Blackhawk family, the Thunderhawk represents a ROC specific variant mixing capabilities of various SH-60's while remaining relatively lightweight in comparison to her Seahawk relatives. Being a torpedo armed helicopter, its true value would only shine when helicopters are added to naval forces/naval targets are added to helicopter enduring confrontation. It is a slightly more powerful version of the previously suggested Thunderhawk.

 

 

Specifications:

 

General characteristics:

 

Crew: Three

Length: 65 ft (19.8 m)

Rotor diametre: 53 ft 10 in (16.4 m)

Height: 17 ft 8 in (5.4 m)

Empty weight: 10,157 lb (4,607 kg)

Max. takeoff weight: 21,706 lb (9,846 kg)

Powerplant: 2 × General Electric T700-GE-401C Turboshaft's, 1,800 SHP (1,342 kW) each

Rotor system: 4 x primary blades, 4 x tail blades

Fuselage length: N/A

Stub wingspan: N/A

 

Performance:

 

Never exceed speed: 210 mph (338 km/h)

Maximum speed: 172 mph (277 km/h)

Range: 360 mi (580 km)

Service ceiling: 12,562 ft (3,829 m)

Rate of climb: 1,410 ft/min (7.2 m/s)

 

Armament:

 

2x Mk.46 Torpedoes

- - Range: 7.3 km (4.5 mi)

- - Speed: 91 km/h (57 mph)

- - Explosive mass: 44.5 kg (98 lb)

- - TNT equivalent:  59.2 kg (130.5 lb)

 

Other:

 

AN/APS-143(V)3 Radar (474 km (294 mi) max scope range)

AN/ALR-606(V)2 radar warning receiver

AN/AVS-6 helmet mounted night vision 

 

 

Sources:

Spoiler

http://www.taiwanairpower.org/navy/s70cm.html

http://www.mdc.idv.tw/mdc/navy/rocnavy/s70cm1.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikorsky_SH-60_Seahawk

https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=322

https://www.radartutorial.eu/19.kartei/08.airborne/karte029.en.html

 

[leroyonly 4,311]

Open for discussion. 

[Redmisty 828]

But I think, the armament is, a bit.........

It could do nothing if it added into game without other armament such as rockets even missiles.

[ACOMETS 977]

On 18/10/2020 at 02:11, Miki_Hoshii said:

Mk.46 Torpedoes

those are guided i suppose . so this helli needs quite nerf to AI shooters. they are really good at shooting VT shells/

[CakeJuniorMan 176]

+1

[jet_17_49 411]

Nah I'd rather have a Red Hawk instead

Spoiler

 

[tiger7742 260]

On 21/12/2021 at 13:06, jet_17_49 said:

Nah I'd rather have a Red Hawk instead

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won't mind getting both