Sikorsky MH-60L DAP (Direct-Action Penetrator)

History

The US Special Operations Command (US SOCOM) currently relies on a limited number of Sikorsky MH-60L helicopters, aided by the MH-60L DAP ("Direct Action Penetrator") variant to meet their armed rotational lift requirements. The MH-60L DAP is specifically designed for special operations forces and serves the U.S. Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. It comes in two versions: a troop carrier and a well-armed support gunship, with the latter lacking troop transport capabilities.

The distinctive feature of the MH-60L DAP is its short wings, which allow it to carry a variety of air-to-surface weapons, greatly enhancing its tactical versatility in supporting ground forces. It can be equipped with a 30mm M230 chain gun, Hydra 70 series rocket pods, GAU-19 gun pods, M134 Gatling-style machine gun pods, and even AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles and AIM-92 Stinger missiles for aerial threats. Despite its age, the MH-60L DAP, alongside its troop-carrying counterpart, has been a vital asset for SOCOM forces for many years.

Efforts are currently underway to identify a potential successor for the MH-60L DAP, with a focus on the U.S. Army's Future Attack and Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) helicopter competition, featuring contenders from industry leaders such as Bell and Sikorsky. This search reflects the ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving the capabilities of special operations aviation in the United States.

Specification

Basics

Year of Service: 1990

Origins: United States

Crew: 5

Production: 100

Manufacturer: Sikorsky - USA

Operator: United States (SOCOM)

Roles

Ground attack (bombing, strafing)

The ability to conduct air strikes against ground targets using (but not limited to) artillery, bombs, rockets, rockets, etc.

Close Air Support (CAS)

Designed to operate near active ground elements with a wide range of air-to-surface weapon and ammunition options.

Special Forces

Serve special forces/special operations forces and missions.

Notable Features

Vertical Takeoff/Landing (VTOL)

The series has the tactical capability of vertical take-off and/or landing, a characteristic usually associated with helicopters.

Radar capability

Houses may house (via specialized variants) radars for searching, tracking, and attacking enemy elements.

Countermeasures

Onboard electronic or physical countermeasures taken by the aircraft or pilot/crew to enhance survivability.

Armor

Armor assigned to protect the pilot/crew compartment and/or critical operating systems enhances survivability.

Multi-engine

Include two or more engines to improve survivability and/or performance.

Sturdy aircraft frame

The inherent ability of the airframe to take significant damage.

Extended range performance

Ability to travel long distances using on-board fuel supplies.

Fuel A2A

Ability to receive fuel in flight from waiting friendly aircraft.

Seaport

Able to operate over the ocean and survive certain harsh marine environments.

Crew management

In addition to the pilot, the aircraft also employs additional crew members who specialize in specific functions on the aircraft.

Weapons

Defensive weapon location for attack/suppression.

Closed crew room

There are partially or fully enclosed crew work areas.

Extended Access

The design includes features to facilitate loading/unloading of cargo/people from the aircraft.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 66.4 feet (20.25m)

Width/span: 53.6 feet (16.35m)

Height: 16.9 feet (5.15m)

Cured weight: 12,346 lbs (5,600 kg)

MTOW: 26,896 lbs (12,200 kg)

Wgt Difference: +14,551 lbs (+6,600 kg)

Main Program Structure

Monoplane

Designed to use a single main wing main aircraft; this is the most popular arrangement of main aircraft.

Installation high

The main aircraft is installed at the highest permissible position along the fuselage topline.

Line

Floor plans involve the use of simple, straight main plan elements.

Power and performance

Installed: 2 x General Electric T700-GE-701C 1,890 hp turboshaft engines driving a four-blade main rotor and a four-blade tail rotor unit (starboard side).

Maximum speed: 103 km/h (165 km/h | 89 kn)

Maximum: 20,013 feet (6,100 m | 4 km)

Area: 1,398 km (2,250 km | 4,167 nautical miles)

Rate of climb: 1,450 ft/min (442 m/min)

ARMOR

Types supported:

30mm M230 Chain Gun Autocannon.

19 rounds of Hydra-70 rocket pods.

GAU-19 gun pod.

M134 Minigun shells.

Specific threats:

AGM-114 Hellfire Anti-Tank Missile (ATGM).

AIM-92 Stinger short-range air-to-air missile.

M134D micromachine guns (trainable) at each hull side door opening. And any personal weapons carried by the crew.