Denmark receives first MH-60R Seahawk helicopters

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, June 17 (UPI) -- The first batch of Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopters ordered by Denmark through the U.S Foreign Military Sales program have been delivered to the country.

The three aircraft, delivered by the U.S. Navy, took place earlier this month during a ceremony in Copenhagen Harbor, with one of the aircraft landing aboard a Danish frigate.

The MH-60R by Sikorsky, now part of Lockheed Martin, is a multi-mission naval helicopter based on the U.S. Army's UH-60 Black Hawk. It has a maximum speed of 168 miles per hour, a range of 518 miles at cruise speed and a service ceiling of 12,000 feet.

"The delivery of these first three of nine MH-60R helicopters to Denmark is a great team accomplishment between our two governments and our industry partners," said Captain Craig D. Grubb, U.S. Navy Program Manager, H-60 Multi-Mission Helicopters with NAVAIR (U.S. Naval Air Systems Command). "The aircraft have immediately entered service in Denmark, and we look forward to operating, sustaining and advancing the MH-60R with Denmark for decades to come."

The Seahawks are the first FMS MH-60R Seahawk helicopters being operated by a European Navy and will be used for maritime surveillance, anti-surface warfare, force protection and utility transport operations.

In the Arctic and North Atlantic region, the Danish MH-60R Seahawk helicopter will also provide support to austere regions, patrolling territorial boundaries, fisheries and perform search-and rescue, Lockheed Martin said.

The Seahawks are replacing Denmark's fleet of British-made Lynx helicopters.